Do New Brakes Smoke? Experience and Advice Needed!

Car Maintenance & Repairs
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Introduction

I’ve recently installed new brake pads on my car, and I’ve noticed some smoke coming from the wheels. Is this normal? I’ve heard a few things about new brakes during their break-in period, but I want to know more about what to expect.

What I’ve Observed

  • Smoke: Initially, there’s a faint smoke coming from the brakes. It disappears after a while.
  • Burning Smell: There’s a peculiar burning smell that I’m not sure about.

Break-In Process

I’ve read that new brakes often require a break-in period where they can heat up and produce smoke as the pads and rotors settle in. Here are some points I found:

  • Material Transfer: New pads need to transfer some material onto the rotor to optimize performance.
  • Heat Generation: During this initial period, they can generate extra heat, leading to smoke.

Questions for the Community

  1. Is it common for new brakes to smoke during installation?
  2. How do I know if there’s a problem besides typical smoke?
  3. What should I monitor during the break-in process?

Conclusion

Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated! I want to ensure my brakes are functioning properly and that there are no issues. Thank you!

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New brakes can definitely smoke if not bedded properly. Bedding is crucial as it allows the brake pads to mate with the rotors, forming that essential contact surface. If you skip this step, you’re risking excessive heat buildup during initial use, which can cause smoking.

3

That’s a great point! I’ve seen people who skip the bedding process and end up with major issues. It’s not just about performance; it can also lead to fading brakes later on.

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I had a similar experience! After installing my new brakes, I didn’t bed them properly, and I ended up with smoke filling up my garage. Lesson learned!

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Wow, that’s intense! I’ve read that you should do several stops from high speed to low to get that proper bedding. Did you do anything specific after that incident?

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Bedding is vital! Improper bedding can lead to brake fade, which makes the brakes less effective. It’s worth taking the time to do it right.

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Good to know! Can improper bedding also cause uneven wear on the brake pads?

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Absolutely! If the pads aren’t properly seated, it can lead to hot spots, which causes uneven wear and reduces brake performance over time.

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I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of bedding brakes. It’s like breaking in new shoes; you don’t want to run a marathon without doing that!

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That’s such a relatable analogy! It’s surprising how many people want to rush things and then face issues later.

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I must say, I had no idea about the whole bedding process until I started having problems. It’s enlightening to know this can lead to smoke!

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Right? It’s one of those things people don’t think about until it’s too late. A little education goes a long way!

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Does anyone have a specific method they use for bedding their brakes? I want to make sure I’m doing it correctly!

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It’s simple! Just do a few slow to hard stops and let the brakes cool in between to avoid overheating. But don’t go too crazy right from the start!

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Thanks for the tip! I think it’s important to understand that the goal is to create a nice layer of brake dust to improve performance. Can’t believe I missed that before!

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New brakes can definitely smoke, especially if they’re bedded incorrectly. You might be encountering some installation errors with the pads or rotors.

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That’s a good point! Have you checked if the brake materials are compatible with your vehicle? Sometimes, mixed materials can cause overheating.

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Another thing to consider is the calipers. If they’re sticking, that can lead to excess heat and smoke. It’s worth inspecting them!

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I had a similar issue! The mechanic mentioned that if the rotors are not machined properly, they can cause new pads to smoke. Did you get yours checked?

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That’s interesting! I didn’t think about that. Could misalignment also be an issue?