I just installed Rotora slotted rotors and pads and I still smell the pads after driving and there is a lot of brake dust. I installed them, did a few recommended break in slow downs, drove through ATL traffic to work for 2 days, and a few days later went on a 9.5 hour trip from ATL to VA Beach and back. Also have put about 160 miles (40 per day in downtown ATL traffic) since the trip.

My question is, how can you exactly tell when brake pads are broken in? Will I no longer be able to smell them? And is the brake dust going to happen for the duration of the pads' lives? I have an even amount of pad material on my rotors as well (rotor surface and diameter).

Coming from oem rotors and pads, where there was NO brake dust at all. I'm not a noob to cars, but I am when it comes to 100% understanding brakes.

 

^^you should join this group. Where in Atlanta are you?

https://acurazine.com/forums/groups/atl-17/

 

at 160 miles they are still breaking in. Give them at min 500 miles.

 

Already a member :P I'm around Clayton County/Henry County.

What about the mileage from taking the looong trip? Although, I guess I didn't do any true/hard braking, just slowing down a lot.

Does the break-in period HAVE to be "stop and go" traffic?

 

stockbridge

 

Yeah, basically. haha it's 5 minutes away from here.

 

was the same wit my ebc red stuff pads and drilled and slotted rotors. first 200-300miles, their were lots of brake dust and smell. now its all good and little to no brake dust. love them

 

stop and go traffic or freeway miles without brake use have no effect on breaking in the new pads. Using them from freeway speed gets them warm and in use!
They may take up to 500 miles of normal driving to get fully bedded
You can do the slow down series again to help it - the first time just gets the extra resins cooked out of the pad, next time gets them more bedded

Then the pads and rotors, with their thousands of micro ridges and valleys, must get mated so there is 100% contact

For less brake dust- wash the rims on both sides then apply 3 coats synthetic car wax
That keeps most of it from sticking,, as soon as there is some- more has a way to easily attach itself

 

Sweet, great info. I'll try that this weekend.

Thanks a lot guys, this helps put me at ease. lol I was worried.