Query: Ford Focus Discs and Pads Replaced

In message , Chris H writes

The new pads will take time to bed in. Try not to use harsh braking for the next couple of hundred miles. Of course the pad material on your new pads may be different to your old ones, even though they are both Ford parts. Ford may source its parts from different suppliers.

For what its worth, my original Ford Pads were much better than the EBC pads I fitted as replacements. Don't worry about the gaps when the brakes are off. They will be fine when you press the pedal.

Paul,

Many thanks for the info. I'll take it easy on the brakes for the next few hundred miles.

Chris

The technique I have used to bed new pads in for over 30 years on my own and other people's cars is to find a quiet stretch of road, then drive in 2nd gear whilst left-foot braking fairly firmly. I release and reapply the brakes several times, the object being to get them really hot but obviously not getting to the point where the pads start to smoke! I then drive around to allow everything to cool down. The pads seem to bed in straight away, and give excellent results immediately.

This technique was shown to me by a rally driver. They don't have the opportunity of bedding in new pads gently of course!

The usual precautions when trying something different with your brakes clearly should be taken!

HTH

Chris

The mounting mechanism is designed to allow the pads a certain amount of pivot so they always align properly with the rotors. This gap is irrelevant. Pads and rotors come in a variety of designs and composition, and therefore in feel. There is a difference between the initial feeling of "bite" ("byte" is a computer term) and the total amount of braking power available in a full stomp. You didn't say who installed the components, but if they were a reputable shop you don't need to worry.

Cheers

Yep bite, not byte. Spelling was never my strong point!

I got them fitted by a Ford garage, so should be OK, and as should be at £135 (incl VAT)!

Thanks for the advice.