Bedding Rotors

Tech Info - Bedding Brake Rotors

Applies To:	All years and models
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PREPARING ROTORS: RACE APPLICATIONS

What proper "Rotor Preparation" is all about:

The first step in preparing the brake system for duty is to "SEASON" the rotors. The most visible effects are that of burning the machine oils from the surface of the iron and establishing a wear pattern between the pad and rotor. The most complex task it performs is that of relieving the internal stresses within the material. If you've ever poured water into a glass of ice, and noticed the ice cracking, then you've witnessed, first hand, the effects of internal stresses. The rotor casting and cooling processes leave the rotor with internal stresses.

By gradually heating the material, the crystalline matrix will reconfigure to relieve these internal stresses. 0nlv after these stresses are relieved, is the rotor is ready to accept the heat of bedding pads or race speeds. Heating the rotors before they are fully seasoned can result in material deformation clue to the unrelieved internal stresses in the material. This deformation may cause a vibration from the brakes.

After initial bedding, race drivers should use the first lap of a session, to warm the brakes as well as the engine, gearbox, etc. Where an engine turns chemical energy into motion, the brakes turn that motion into thermal energy……and lots of it! And where there is no cooling system for the brakes as there is for the engine, and there's not, the brakes could use the courtesy of a warm-up lap.

Seasoning procedure:

1)Before you begin, please note: The following is a condensed version of of the "Seasoning" process designed for racing, where rotors are often replaced after every event.. If your situation offers any opportunity to perform the Seasoning for Street and/or -Light Track Event ApplicaUons outlined on a separate instruction set (enclosed for reference), please do so. The most noticeable result of this care will be dramatically increased long term rotorlife. Top professional teams believe this to be the case and invest heavily in pre-burnishing or "Seasoning" services. The same service Baer offers and recommends for racers.

2) Temporarily close or restrict any cooling ducts provided for the brakes. Note: New rotors should be "Seasoned" with used pads. If you are "Seasoning" a completely new system, this Is not an alternative, so take extra care in the "Seasoning"' procedure. Most likely, you will begin "bedding" the pads in the latter stages of the procedure. It is still recommended that you follow the separate Preparing your Brake System: Bedding Pads procedures or invest in the pre-burnishing "Seasoning" service.

3) Make several light stops from 30 mph to ensure brake system is functioning properly (good pedal, no leaks, etc.).

4) Gradually increase brake temperatures with progressively harder, faster, stops (the key here.is to make the temps rise steadily, however - NEVER DRAG THE BRAKE).

5) Continue the process, through 10-15 stops, steadily increase braking forces until the rotors have reached full operational temperature; about 1100° E Note: Accurate temperature paints may be obtained from Baer Racing.

6) Allow the brakes to cool, as gradually as possible, by driving easily for 10 minutes or so. The idea is to cool the brake system to ambient. Given the opportunity, let the system cool off over night.

7)Reopen your cooling ducts. The rotors- are now ready for the next step in Preparing your Brake System:Bedding Pads

Racers should "Season" a couple sets of rotor. In the event that one needs to be replaced during a race, it should only be replaced with a"Seasoned" rotor. We strongly advise against racing on a "green" rotor. The thermal shock and unrelieved internal stresses can crack, break or even explode a "oreen" rotor! Additionally, race cars need a cool down lap before parking a car that has been run at speed. Avoid sitting on pitlane after a session or during a pit stop with your foot on the brake unless conditions absolutely require such. In the pits it is advised to roll the car back and forth, when the brakes are hot, to avoid internal stresses from uneven cooling of the rotor due the shrouding effect of the caliper and its heat.

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