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STaSIS Bedding Procedure
After installing new pads, rotors, or both, it is necessary to properly bed the pad to the rotor before
using the brakes to their full capacity.
What is bedding?
Bedding is the process of depositing a layer of pad material (often called the transfer layer or transfer
film) onto the surface of the rotor. Brake rotors used on OEM style brake systems do not require this
transfer layer as the braking system is relying on friction between the pad and the rotor material to
slow the vehicle down. On STaSIS rotors, the bond between the pad and the transfer layer is much
stronger and the frictional characteristics of the pad/transfer layer interface are far better than those of
a pad/rotor interface. It is therefore crucial to bed pads properly to ensure the reliability, performance,
and longevity of your STaSIS/ALCON brake system.
When should I bed pads and rotors?
Bedding is recommended whenever you install new pads or rotors, or experience vibrations while
braking.
• For new pads and rotors, bedding allows the manufacturing resins in the pads to burn off
slowly to avoid uneven deposits or pad glazing. Bedding also allows the rotors to relieve
any thermal stresses incurred during the manufacturing process.
• Vibrations felt through the brake pedal are most commonly a result of uneven pad
deposition, which is remedied by re-bedding the existing components.
Bedding Process
1. Upon initial installation do not bed the rotors immediately. Drive the vehicle with normal to
light braking for 1-2 days to allow the pad and rotor surfaces to conform better before bedding
in at higher temperatures.
2. Find a suitable road. You will need a relatively straight road with minimal traffic where you
can safely (and legally!) reach speeds up to 65 MPH.
3. Once the car has been driven with light braking for a few miles to bring the rotors up to the
proper operating temperature, bring the car up to approximately 65 MPH. Gently apply
constant pressure (about 10%) to the brakes, bringing the car down to about 20 MPH.
4. Accelerate briskly back to 65 MPH. Apply the brakes again, however this time use more
force (about 20%).
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3, each successive time applying more pressure. Your last two brake
applications should engage or nearly engage the ABS system.
6. Do not immediately stop the vehicle with your foot on the brakes after step 5, the
concentrated heat from the pad sitting on a non-rotating rotor will warp the rotor. Drive
vehicle using absolutely minimal brake application to cool the rotors to ambient temperature
(freeway driving).
7. Once the system has cooled, repeat the entire process.
After completing two heat cycles on the rotors, check the rotors for an even, slightly hazy
coating (often with a slight blue tint). Any spotting or blotches indicate uneven pad
deposition. Repeat the process until the rotor surface is even.
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