just installed new brake pads. what now?

[rbridges]

first time changing pads on my plane.  Is there anything I need to do to seat them properly?  I didn't get a chance to talk with my IA, but I figured I'd ask you guys first.

[N601RX]

Yes. They need a certain amount of friction and heat the 1st time they are used. If they glaze over they will never stop very well. Rapco and Cleveland both publish break-in procedures.

I was breaking in a new engine and pads at the same time, so the engine got priority. The pads seemed to turn out fine thought.

[rbridges]

Yes. They need a certain amount of friction and heat the 1st time they are used. If they glaze over they will never stop very well. Rapco and Cleveland both publish break-in procedures.

I was breaking in a new engine and pads at the same time, so the engine got priority. The pads seemed to turn out fine thought.

 

I looked them over.  there's a little difference between them, but the ideas seem similar.  I guess I'm going to run the plane up and down the taxiway a few times this weekend.

[Mcstealth]

Most procedures for bakepads are the same. Get them hot, let them cool. Avoid light pressure when setting the pads. Four or five heavy stops, allow the pads to cool for a few, do it again, and you should be done.

 

DF

[rbridges]

Most procedures for bakepads are the same. Get them hot, let them cool. Avoid light pressure when setting the pads. Four or five heavy stops, allow the pads to cool for a few, do it again, and you should be done.

 

DF

 

I had a little trouble finding the break in procedures, but they were sitting right there on the aircraft spruce website.  duh.

[Hank]

I looked them over.  there's a little difference between them, but the ideas seem similar.  I guess I'm going to run the plane up and down the taxiway a few times this weekend.

 

If you want to heat them up, make trips around the pattern, with full stop landings--simulate short field with "heavy braking." Time you make your next approach, they should be nicely cooled down and ready to reheat.

[Ksaunders]

My new pads came with specific break in instructions in the box.  My mechanic also gave me a firm finger shaking about making sure I broke them in properly.   

 

After you heat them up, shut down and take a look and a "safe distance feel" at how hot the pads really get.  I broke in some new pads and was really surprised at how hot they get.  I should have done it all at once but my mechanic is now recommending new rotors.  I'm hoping that's not going to be that big of a financial adventure.  

 

I was reading about some aircraft ground procedures and it stuck in my mind that some "Mooney Expert" suggested you treat your brakes like "Emergency Equipment Only".  Use your brakes as little as possible.  I catch myself riding them down taxiways all the time.  Bad, Bad, Bad.  I challenge myself to land and exit the taxiway without ever touching any brakes at all.  It's pretty hard for me.  (But) it's like my golf swing.  Develop bad habits and boy are they ever hard to break!   

[Marauder]

 I catch myself riding them down taxiways all the time.  

 

Goes to prove these Mooneys are fast even on taxiways! I find myself doing the same as well.

[Hank]

Taxi at 1000 RPM, no braking necessary--just go to idle ~50 yards before making a turn. Airplane brake pads are $$$$!! I save mine for landing on the runway and hold short line for runup.

[M016576]

My new pads came with specific break in instructions in the box. My mechanic also gave me a firm finger shaking about making sure I broke them in properly.

After you heat them up, shut down and take a look and a "safe distance feel" at how hot the pads really get. I broke in some new pads and was really surprised at how hot they get. I should have done it all at once but my mechanic is now recommending new rotors. I'm hoping that's not going to be that big of a financial adventure.

I was reading about some aircraft ground procedures and it stuck in my mind that some "Mooney Expert" suggested you treat your brakes like "Emergency Equipment Only". Use your brakes as little as possible. I catch myself riding them down taxiways all the time. Bad, Bad, Bad. I challenge myself to land and exit the taxiway without ever touching any brakes at all. It's pretty hard for me. (But) it's like my golf swing. Develop bad habits and boy are they ever hard to break!

Think about them this way: your 1500lb Volkswagen has 4 wheels, all with pads twice the size acting on a rotor with 3 times the diameter of the size of the Cleveland's on your 2700lb Mooney... Aircraft brakes get HOT! Then again, they are meant for a very short duty cycle... Not much "bumper to bumper" traffic at 150kts @ 6500'....

I agree with the above sentiment: use the brakes sparingly if able (but don't sacrifice safety on a short runway!)