I installed Powerstop pads 6 months ago and very happy. Yes I did follow the breaking-in procedure (30 stops from 30mph with 30 second gaps to cool off). It's harder to do than you'd expect unless you have a private road, so my guess is most people don't do it (and probably most mechanics don't bother either).
Worthwhile upgrade on the rotors to rust-proofing. My rotors are exposed so it's nice that they look shiny and it was only a few dollars more
Never heard about break-in before. Was easy to do so why not. Not sure if it is different for each type of pads or they just change.
5 moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool and do not come to a complete stop. If you’re forced to stop, either shift into neutral or give room in front so you can allow the vehicle to roll slightly while waiting for the light. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will allow the pad to create an imprint on the rotor. This is where the judder can originate from.
Then do 5 moderate stops from 35 mph to 5 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. You should expect to smell some resin as the brakes get hot.
After this is complete, drive around for as long as possible without excessively heating the brakes and without coming to a complete stop (Try for about 5 minutes at moderate speed). This is the cooling stage. It allows the heated resin in the brake pads to cool and cure.
After the brakes have cooled to standard operating temperature, you may use the brakes normally.
I never knew you had to break in pads.
Interesting that I spent $165 for duralast Gold ceramic pads and rotors.
While I know the mechanics in the area charge $220-$250 for front new rotors and pads. How much cheaper can these parts be found?
For $50-$55 I wouldn't mind to have someone install it.
I don't have to smell all the brake cleaner and dust from cleaning the caliper and all.
Though I would say the same thing about my oil. I have a guy for $15-$20 that would install my mobile 1 oil(that I bought) for me and that way I don't have to it on my own.
I got smart where I started to buy from dollar tree the disposable buckets where I put the oil in and then back into the empty bottle and then put the pan in a shopping bag and into the garbage.
I used to save the dirty buckets and wipe down the top to reuse it again.
Since I don't exactly have a shop, I don't need or want oil buckets lying around. So much easier to splurge on the $1 bucket and save 5 blue paper towels and 10 minutes of my time cleaning it.
Topic Wiki
