Smoke from Breaks?

[guyinottawa]

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.

 

[Jim Stewart]

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.

 

[I'm Right]

lotsa people smoke on breaks

 

[TG]

Sounds like new rotors were not cleaned before installation. TG

 

[Mike (archive)]

lotsa people smoke on breaks

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

 

[Sheldon]

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

 

[Ken Gilbert]

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.

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