The Importance of Cleaning Rotors to the Bedding in Process
Having your brake rotors machined or replaced is something every car owner will encounter at some point during general maintenance. Generally rotors are machined or replaced at the same time as a brake pad replacement. There are some simple yet critical facets of brake rotor replacement for both new and machined rotors that are essential for safety and performance. In a recent survey by supplier Bendix, a surprising 16 per cent of respondents were determined to be unaware of the critical role and importance of cleaning and wiping brake rotors during fitting to the bedding in process.
Bendix Product Manager, Andrew Bates explains the issue and the concern it is generating within the trade. ?Our concern applies equally to new and re-machined rotors, as the manufacturing process includes oils, graphite, carbon and silicone and new parts are generally covered with a rust protection film which all ends up as residue on the rotor.
?If not cleaned carefully at the time of being fitted these compounds and chemicals can impregnate the brake pads resulting in a reduction in brake performance and increasing the likelihood of squealing or shuddering brakes?
To avoid these annoying and potentially performance retarding issues, there are simple and easy solutions used by the professionals in the trade:
- Use a medium to fine grit emery on the rotor while it is still spinning after machining, ensuring that the disc is completely burr-free
- Spraying with a non-corrosive, non staining brake cleaner such as Bendix Brake/Parts Cleaner and Degreaser, which will quickly remove any rust protection from new rotors and effectively clean residue from machined parts
Where advanced products like Bendix's Titanium Stripe Technology Pads are fitted, the cleaning process becomes more critical, as this style of brake pad is not designed to perform a machining process on the rotors.
To further enhance the quality of your fitting job, use of Bendix Ceramic High Performance Synthetic Brake Parts Lubricant is highly recommended. The insoluble, waterproof and chemical resistant synthetic lubricant can be used on virtually all brakes parts across a range of vehicles and will provide greater performance.
Whether you are maintaining your brakes DIY or deferring to the pro?s, always insist that your rotors are properly cleaned with the right products for the job.
For more information on these products and plenty more tech tips head to www.bendix.com.au