Question on new brakes

[ncyrider]

Just installed new Raybestos front brake rotors, ceramic brake pads, flushed the brake system, and adjusted the rear drums. Wondering about the break-in procedure...
A while ago I saw a thread about how it's important to break in new brakes by braking lightly from 60-0 mph a few times, and other people have told me the same thing. So I attempted this after the install (3-4 times), and was VERY light on the brake pedal.
Then just now I saw a thread about how this procedure is unnecessary and I could glaze the brakes. They are fine, but I want to know if I should do anything else for break-in because I am driving my ST to the desert in a couple days for an off-road trip, and on the way out is a long, steep downhill grade with lots of turns. This section usually had my (old) brakes smelling or feeling like they are starting to fade, so I want to make sure the new brakes are well broken in and ready for this, even though I might keep it in 2nd gear down the grade.

 

[koda2000]

I always make 4 medium-hard stops from around 45-50 MPH on new brake pads. The idea is that it transfers some brake material to the rotors, which is necessary to break in the pads. The rear breaks shoes don't really need any break-in and they don't really contribute much anyway (around 25%) the front brakes do most of the work. The biggest thing to prevent brake fade is replacing the brake fluid every 2 years. As far as smelling the brakes during prolonged braking, that's normal and some pads smell more than others. I think inexpensive semi-metallic pads tend to smell more than ceramics.

 

[sr139fox]

Dropping to a lower gear is good. I recently was in PA on a long steep hill. Dropped the geat shift to a lower gear and hardly had to touch the brake. Dave P.

 

[koda2000]

Dropping to a lower gear is good. I recently was in PA on a long steep hill. Dropped the geat shift to a lower gear and hardly had to touch the brake. Dave P.

Yes, that works, but I'd rather wear out my brake pads than my transmission... LOL.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Why not just turn O/D off? That would keep it in 4th gear (unless it for some reason downshifted even further). Moving the shift lever would seem to put into 2nd gear. This is assuming an automatic transmission.

 

[rmcalis]

Before I replalced the pads on my truck I visited several brake pad manufacturers' sites to check the installation procedure. All promoted the idea of making serveral medium to hard braking from speed on new pads. Some said 60-0, others said 45-0 (without completelly stopping in all cases). Some added that a couple of times of hard braking from 60-0 would be good.
Sounds like you did the right thing.