Preparing Your Car for G-LOC Brake Pads: Bedding-In & Brake Setup Guide
If you’re installing G-LOC brake pads for track or aggressive driving, it’s important to prepare the braking system properly before your first session. Good pads alone are not enough — rotor condition, brake fluid, caliper function and proper bedding all play a major role in how the brakes perform.
Check the Braking System First
Before installing the pads, inspect the rest of the system carefully. Check the following:
- Brake rotor condition and thickness
- Brake fluid condition
- Brake lines and fittings
- Caliper operation
- Pad hardware and slide pins
- Brake fluid level
- Wheel bearing condition
If the car is going on track, fresh high-temperature brake fluid is strongly recommended. A quality pad cannot perform properly if the rest of the system is compromised.
Rotor Preparation Matters
One of the biggest mistakes when changing to a performance brake pad is ignoring the rotor surface.
Brake pads establish a thin transfer layer of friction material on the rotor. If you're switching from another brand or compound, the existing deposits should ideally be removed so the new G-LOC pads can establish their own consistent transfer layer.
New rotors should also be thoroughly cleaned before installation to remove any oils or manufacturing residue.
Proper rotor preparation gives the new pads a clean surface to bed into and helps reduce the chances of inconsistent braking, vibration and uneven pad deposits.
Clean Components Before Installation
Before assembling everything, clean the rotor surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove oil, dirt and contaminants.
Be careful not to get grease or anti-seize on the friction surface of the pads or rotors. Also make sure the pads fit and move freely in the caliper.
Why Bedding-In Is Important
Bedding-in is the process that allows the pad and rotor to work together correctly. It gradually brings both parts up to temperature and helps lay down an even transfer layer on the rotor face.
A proper bedding process helps provide:
- More consistent friction
- Better pedal feel
- Predictable braking performance
- Reduced chance of uneven deposits
- Better performance once the brakes are hot
This is especially important with track-oriented compounds.
Bedding-In G-LOC Pads
After installation, the pads should be bedded in using G-LOC’s recommended procedure.
The basic idea is to perform a series of progressively harder stops to bring the brakes up to temperature and begin transferring material evenly to the rotors. The brakes should not be shocked from cold with maximum effort immediately, and you should avoid coming to a complete stop while the brakes are extremely hot.
After the bedding sequence, allow the brakes to cool by driving for several minutes with minimal brake use.
Important Tip
Do not sit stationary with the brake pedal held down after a hard bedding cycle or hot braking session. This can leave uneven pad deposits on the rotor and create the vibration many people mistake for a warped rotor.
Cooling Is Part of the Process
Cooling the brakes properly is just as important as heating them up. After bedding, allow the system to cool gradually before the next hard use.
If possible, it’s a good idea to bed the pads in before arriving at the track, so your first session does not double as the bedding session.
Final Checks Before Driving
Before heading out, make sure:
- Fluid level is correct
- The brake pedal feels firm
- There are no leaks
- Pads are installed correctly
- Rotors are in good condition
- Wheels are torqued properly
- The bedding procedure has been completed
Final Thoughts
G-LOC pads are designed for serious performance use, but to get the best out of them, the rest of the braking system needs to be ready as well.
Proper rotor preparation, brake system inspection and correct bedding-in all help the pads perform consistently and reduce the risk of vibration, uneven deposits and poor pedal feel.
Take the time to prepare the system properly, and your brakes will be far more reliable when it matters most.