Smoke from Breaks?

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guyinottawa - 13 May 2004 16:12 GMT

My WRX just had new break pads and front rotors installed. Two
questions:

1. I find that the breaks don't stop the car as quick as they
should. Is there a breakin period that I should be aware of before
optimal performance is noted?

2. After trying a hard break this morning, I noticed smoke coming out
of both the front wheels. Is this normal?

Thanks.

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Jim Stewart - 13 May 2004 16:32 GMT

> My WRX just had new break pads and front rotors installed. Two
> questions:
>
> 1. I find that the breaks don't stop the car as quick as they
> should. Is there a breakin period that I should be aware of before
> optimal performance is noted?

I've heard of a "bedding in" period before optimal performance,
but I have never noticed a difference.

> 2. After trying a hard break this morning, I noticed smoke coming out
> of both the front wheels. Is this normal?

It would be if the mechanic got grease on the rotors or pads.

> Thanks.

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I'm Right - 13 May 2004 16:43 GMT

lotsa people smoke on breaks

> My WRX just had new break pads and front rotors installed. Two
> questions:
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks.

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Mike - 14 May 2004 00:40 GMT

> lotsa people smoke on breaks
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>>
>> Thanks.

I've seen that too! :) I've never known any breaks to be hard though,
they usually are quite easy.

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TG - 13 May 2004 22:51 GMT

Sounds like new rotors were not cleaned before installation. TG

> My WRX just had new break pads and front rotors installed. Two
> questions:
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks.

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Sheldon - 15 May 2004 19:16 GMT

> 1. I find that the breaks don't stop the car as quick as they
> should. Is there a breakin period that I should be aware of before
> optimal performance is noted?

This could be normal, but they should bed in rather quickly. I think the
trick is to do some hard stops from about 20 mph and work your way up to
highway speed. My Porsche brakes took forever to bed in. If it doesn't get
better the pads may be contaminated with oil or grease.

> 2. After trying a hard break this morning, I noticed smoke coming out
> of both the front wheels. Is this normal?

Depends. Could be brake dust or something burning off the pads or rotor.
You might want to have this checked out by whoever did the work. Might just
need a good cleanup.

Sheldon

> Thanks.

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Ken Gilbert - 16 May 2004 12:51 GMT

> My WRX just had new break pads and front rotors installed. Two
> questions:
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks.

http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm

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