BBK Install, Check! Early Morning Stoptech Brake Pad Bed-In, Check! IATS relocation, Check!

jmlag · 18th December 2009, 01:49

So I picked up the ride yesterday after having the ST-40 front BBK installed. Initial observation was that the pedal engaged a lot earlier than stock (Maybe I was in need of a bleed with the stock brakes). Otherwise I couldn't really tell much difference because I couldn't really apply the brakes much until the bed-in

....Which brings us to the bed-in procedure. After months of reading Dave Z's Bed In procedure for new brakes, pads, rotors, etc I finally got try it out for real!

The first time I applied the brakes in the first cycle was kinda scary because the car didn't really want to stop.... After the 3rd and 4th, it started braking a little stronger. I noticed you really need "feel" the brake as you step otherwise the ABS will come on (which is something you do not want to happen during bed-in). The brakes didn't fade even after the 8th slow down.

After a full cool down of the brakes from the first cycle, I moved on to the 2nd cycle of stops. Midway through the second series of stops I noticed a much better feel and the brakes were coming on much stronger. Again, I didn't notice any fade even after the 8th slow down.

I may have to do one more cycle but I think I'm good to go!

The IATS relocation kit seems to be working fine. I put mine inside the passenger side brake duct. During this morning's run, ambient temperature didn't go more than 4 degrees celsius from the external temp.

Pics to follow

LFC09 · 18th December 2009, 02:38

The IATS install was simple, yes? I still have mine sitting on the bench to do, the bit about tapping wires puts me off, as I am sure a quick job will turn into a longer one.

herrubermensch · 18th December 2009, 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC09

The IATS install was simple, yes? I still have mine sitting on the bench to do, the bit about tapping wires puts me off, as I am sure a quick job will turn into a longer one.

Yes. It's a no-brainer. The instructions are very good, as are the various DIY pieces on the board.

--Peter

jmlag · 18th December 2009, 02:53

The wiring of the IATS was actually the simplest part of install. There are a few threads on here with pictures of the actual wires that need to be cut and spliced which helped a lot.

IATS install, threw code 4d - Intake Air Temp Sensor

The most time consuming part was removing the bumper, drilling the hole in the brake duct and securing the sensor to the duct (Some people can do this in 5 minutes flat). While I was down there, I also cut out holes in the left and right plastic coverings on the front of the wheel wells so that air could flow to the brakes like in the euro M5's. At the same time, I drilled holes in the mesh grill on the bumper to let the air in from the front. I also ordered the proper plastic ducting to better direct the air from the bumper into the wheel wells. Again, there are a few posts on here that helped me out a lot. I need to take some pics and post them.

LFC09 · 18th December 2009, 03:01

No excuses now!

ard · 18th December 2009, 03:26

I never hear that ABS activation must be avoided!

Do tell....

jmlag · 18th December 2009, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

I never hear that ABS activation must be avoided!

Do tell....

How to Bed-in Your Brakes - a knol by David Zeckhausen

Taken from the instructions above:
"Make a series of eight near-stops from 60 to about 10 mph. Do it HARD by pressing on the brakes firmly, just shy of locking the wheels or engaging ABS."

I'm guessing the instructions are trying to ensure a steady uniform pressure applied to the pads and rotors when doing the slow-down. When ABS is activated, the brakes are actually getting a series of short quick brake applications instead of the strong uniform pressure that's needed.

ard · 18th December 2009, 18:08

Huh... I just never paid attention to ABS and if it was activating or not... In my mind all I needed to do was superheat pads and rotors. Personally I don't think activating ABS is a problem. (Assuming you are on clear/quality roads.) What you definitely want to avoid is coming to a full stop with pads in contact with rotor when they are hot.. so after bedding, you need to drive for a while before hitting any stop signs or lights....

Thx

A

herrubermensch · 18th December 2009, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

Huh... I just never paid attention to ABS and if it was activating or not... In my mind all I needed to do was superheat pads and rotors. Personally I don't think activating ABS is a problem. (Assuming you are on clear/quality roads.) What you definitely want to avoid is coming to a full stop with pads in contact with rotor when they are hot.. so after bedding, you need to drive for a while before hitting any stop signs or lights....

Thx

A

+1.

jmlag · 19th December 2009, 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

Huh... I just never paid attention to ABS and if it was activating or not... In my mind all I needed to do was superheat pads and rotors. Personally I don't think activating ABS is a problem. (Assuming you are on clear/quality roads.) What you definitely want to avoid is coming to a full stop with pads in contact with rotor when they are hot.. so after bedding, you need to drive for a while before hitting any stop signs or lights....

Thx

A

Good to know. At least next time I don't have be so careful as I was and baby the pedal....

Maybe I could do another cycle for good measure? Maybe that's why I didn't experience any brake fade? Did I not heat them up enough?