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    • Shimano Brakes >
      • Understanding Shimano Disc Brake Pad Part Numbers
      • Shimano Road & Gravel Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet (LEGACY)
      • Shimano Disc Brake Pad Models and Part Numbers
      • Shimano Road & Gravel Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet
      • Shimano MTB Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet
      • Shimano MTB Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet (LEGACY)
      • Shimano Brake Burn-In Procedure
      • Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes Caliper Service
      • Shimano Brake Bleed Block Modification
      • Understanding SHIMANO BR Hose Kit Part Numbers
      • Shimano HDB Slow Return Diagnosing and correcting a slow lever return with hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Noisy Brakes Diagnosing and correcting noisy disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Soft Levers Diagnosing a soft lever feel in hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Pressure Test Process Performing a pressure test on hydraulic disc brakes to locate fluid leaks
      • Shimano HDB Low Power Troubleshooting Troubleshooting hydraulic disc brakes with a lack of braking power
      • Shimano HDB Common Problems Common cautions and advisories for hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano XTR M9100 Genuine Parts Catalog Catalog of genuine replacement parts for XTR M9100 components
      • Shimano 2019-Disc Brake Pad Quick Reference Reference catalog for replacement disc brake pads including performance profiles, compatibility, and specifications
    • Shimano Drivetrain >
      • Understanding SHIMANO FD Spec's How to make sense of Shimano's Front Derailleur specifications
      • Shimano Understanding SHIMANO RD Spec's How to make sense of Shimano's Rear Derailleur specifications
      • Shimano Toggle FD Installation How to install the new "Toggle" style front derailleurs including FD-R9100, FD-R8000, FD-R7000, FD-5801
      • Selecting Shimano 12spd MTB Cranks Selecting the correct 12-speed MTB crank for your application including models, specifications, and compatible chainrings
      • Shimano Power Meter Troubleshooting Troubleshooting firmware, connection, and cadence magnet problems with the FC-R9100-P power meter crankset.
      • Shimano STEPS Lighting Circuit Stats Specifications for voltage and current provided by STEPS Drive Unit Lighting Circuits
      • Shimano STEPS Basics Troubleshooting basic problem symptoms, causes, and solutions in STEPS e-bike systems
      • Shimano STEPS E8000 Error Codes Common error codes, causes, and solutions for the STEPS E8000 e-bike system
      • Shimano STEPS E6000 Error Codes Common error codes, causes, and solutions for the STEPS E6000 e-bike system
      • Shimano STEPS Charger Information Charging requirements for STEPS system batteries including charge times and model numbers for chargers and batteries
      • Shimano MTB 10-Speed FD Adjustment-2015 Adjusting the 2015 10-speed front derailleurs including FD-M677, FD-M617, and FD-M618
      • Shimano Bottom Bracket Selection Types, selection, and chainline guidance for bottom brackets
    • Pedals and Shoes Cheat Sheets >
      • Shimano Brannock Device Instructions for fitting and initial cleat positioning using the Shimano Brannock Device
    • Shimano Shifters and Derailleurs >
      • Shimano 12-Speed TT/TRI Setup When assembling time trial or triathlon bikes with a 12-speed Di2 drivetrain you are required to use 11-speed TT/Tri shift switches. This resource explains how to resolve the conflict using switches with outdated firmware.
      • Shimano Quick Guide: Pairing-Canceling Connections Di2 Components This quick guide outlines the most relevant resources for pairing Di2 components.
      • Shimano Quick Guide: 12-speed Road Derailleurs This quick guide outlines the most relevant resources for installing and adjusting 12-speed road Di2 derailleurs.
      • Shimano Selecting E-TUBE PROJECT Complete Guide A guide to E-TUBE PROJECT software versions and associated equipment.
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Power Meter Maintenance through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to update firmware, customize, and maintain the FC-R9100-P Power Meter Crankset
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Firmware Updates through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to update firmware on Di2 and STEPS systems
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Di2 Derailleur Adjustment through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to adjust Di2 derailleurs
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Connecting to the Mobile App How to connect to the E-Tube Project Mobile App for work with Steps and Di2 components
      • Shimano Power Meter Troubleshooting Troubleshooting firmware, connection, and cadence magnet problems with the FC-R9100-P power meter crankset.
      • Shimano Shadow RD+ Torque Reference Sheet Breakaway torque specs for Shadow RD+ clutch based chain stabilizers
      • Shimano Recovering Nonresponsive Di2 Systems Troubleshooting guide for recovering a non-responsive Di2 system
      • ShimanoFirmware Restoration Guide Using the SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02 to restore firmware of a corrupted Di2 or STEPS component
      • Shimano Di2 Battery Drain Diagnosis Using the SM-PCE02 to diagnose battery drain in Di2 systems
      • Shimano Common Di2 Problems and Solutions Basic troubleshooting of Di2 systems
      • Shimano Di2 SW-R600 Installation Installing, operating, and reassigning switch functions to the SW-R600 Di2 Satellite Switch
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Shimano Brake Burn-In Procedure
How to correctly burn in (bed in) hydraulic disc brakes for best performance

Brake burn-in is an essential step to ensuring proper performance from any disc brake system. Any time a new brake system, rotor,
or pads are installed, the job should not be considered complete until the pads and rotors have been properly burned in. That means
that this process should be performed on all new bicycles as a part of the build process. This guide will explain why the process is
so important and how to perform it properly.
What Burn-In Accomplishes
A properly performed burn-in uses controlled stops to gradually heat the system and apply a thin layer of pad material onto the
braking surface of the rotor. This should be performed on any brake system with a “new” rotor, pad, or both. Once this layer is in
place, the friction between the pad material on the brake pads themselves and the pad material in the transfer layer provides
additional stopping power. This transfer layer becomes one of the most important pieces in the system, and that is why it is so
important to make sure it is applied correctly. Uneven application can result in noise, pulsation, poor modulation, or a lack of braking
power. As the transfer layer is being established, the pads will also be burnished to match the contour of the rotor. This allows
for maximum contact and increases braking power and modulation. This is especially important when installing new pads with
an old rotor, as the rotor will have a slight concavity worn from usage. After the burn-in is complete, the brake system should be
performing at or near its full potential.
Procedure
This procedure should be performed as the final step when installing a new brake set, assembling a new bike, installing new pads,
or when changing rotors - remember, new pads should always be installed when replacing rotors.
1. Select an appropriate location – this should not be on the trail or the road, but somewhere open, flat, and protected
from traffic
2. Put on your helmet, mount the bicycle, and accelerate to 10-15 miles per hour
a. Metallic pads can benefit from higher speeds during the burn-in process, but always maintain a safe speed
3. Apply firm steady pressure to one brake – do not turn the bars, lean the bike, or radically change weight distribution during
braking, as these actions can lead to a crash or uneven application of pad material
4. Release pressure before the bike comes to a complete stop
a. Coming to a complete stop will create a thicker deposit of pad material, which can cause noise, shuddering, or
vibration
5. Repeat this process several times, paying attention to the gradual increase in brake performance
6. Burn-in is complete when there is no longer any improvement from one repetition to the next – this will take at least 10
near-stops per wheel, but may take as many as 30
7. Repeat with the other brake
8. Allow time for the system to cool completely before continuing to ride

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  • Home
  • Bicycle Recalls
  • Bicycle Sizing
    • Bicycle Size Chart
    • Bicycle Size Calculator
  • Shimano Technical Specs
    • Shimano Brakes >
      • Understanding Shimano Disc Brake Pad Part Numbers
      • Shimano Road & Gravel Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet (LEGACY)
      • Shimano Disc Brake Pad Models and Part Numbers
      • Shimano Road & Gravel Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet
      • Shimano MTB Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet
      • Shimano MTB Disc Brake Pad Reference Sheet (LEGACY)
      • Shimano Brake Burn-In Procedure
      • Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes Caliper Service
      • Shimano Brake Bleed Block Modification
      • Understanding SHIMANO BR Hose Kit Part Numbers
      • Shimano HDB Slow Return Diagnosing and correcting a slow lever return with hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Noisy Brakes Diagnosing and correcting noisy disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Soft Levers Diagnosing a soft lever feel in hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano HDB Pressure Test Process Performing a pressure test on hydraulic disc brakes to locate fluid leaks
      • Shimano HDB Low Power Troubleshooting Troubleshooting hydraulic disc brakes with a lack of braking power
      • Shimano HDB Common Problems Common cautions and advisories for hydraulic disc brakes
      • Shimano XTR M9100 Genuine Parts Catalog Catalog of genuine replacement parts for XTR M9100 components
      • Shimano 2019-Disc Brake Pad Quick Reference Reference catalog for replacement disc brake pads including performance profiles, compatibility, and specifications
    • Shimano Drivetrain >
      • Understanding SHIMANO FD Spec's How to make sense of Shimano's Front Derailleur specifications
      • Shimano Understanding SHIMANO RD Spec's How to make sense of Shimano's Rear Derailleur specifications
      • Shimano Toggle FD Installation How to install the new "Toggle" style front derailleurs including FD-R9100, FD-R8000, FD-R7000, FD-5801
      • Selecting Shimano 12spd MTB Cranks Selecting the correct 12-speed MTB crank for your application including models, specifications, and compatible chainrings
      • Shimano Power Meter Troubleshooting Troubleshooting firmware, connection, and cadence magnet problems with the FC-R9100-P power meter crankset.
      • Shimano STEPS Lighting Circuit Stats Specifications for voltage and current provided by STEPS Drive Unit Lighting Circuits
      • Shimano STEPS Basics Troubleshooting basic problem symptoms, causes, and solutions in STEPS e-bike systems
      • Shimano STEPS E8000 Error Codes Common error codes, causes, and solutions for the STEPS E8000 e-bike system
      • Shimano STEPS E6000 Error Codes Common error codes, causes, and solutions for the STEPS E6000 e-bike system
      • Shimano STEPS Charger Information Charging requirements for STEPS system batteries including charge times and model numbers for chargers and batteries
      • Shimano MTB 10-Speed FD Adjustment-2015 Adjusting the 2015 10-speed front derailleurs including FD-M677, FD-M617, and FD-M618
      • Shimano Bottom Bracket Selection Types, selection, and chainline guidance for bottom brackets
    • Pedals and Shoes Cheat Sheets >
      • Shimano Brannock Device Instructions for fitting and initial cleat positioning using the Shimano Brannock Device
    • Shimano Shifters and Derailleurs >
      • Shimano 12-Speed TT/TRI Setup When assembling time trial or triathlon bikes with a 12-speed Di2 drivetrain you are required to use 11-speed TT/Tri shift switches. This resource explains how to resolve the conflict using switches with outdated firmware.
      • Shimano Quick Guide: Pairing-Canceling Connections Di2 Components This quick guide outlines the most relevant resources for pairing Di2 components.
      • Shimano Quick Guide: 12-speed Road Derailleurs This quick guide outlines the most relevant resources for installing and adjusting 12-speed road Di2 derailleurs.
      • Shimano Selecting E-TUBE PROJECT Complete Guide A guide to E-TUBE PROJECT software versions and associated equipment.
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Power Meter Maintenance through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to update firmware, customize, and maintain the FC-R9100-P Power Meter Crankset
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Firmware Updates through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to update firmware on Di2 and STEPS systems
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Di2 Derailleur Adjustment through the Mobile App Using E-Tube Project Mobile App v4 to adjust Di2 derailleurs
      • Shimano E-TUBE Project: Connecting to the Mobile App How to connect to the E-Tube Project Mobile App for work with Steps and Di2 components
      • Shimano Power Meter Troubleshooting Troubleshooting firmware, connection, and cadence magnet problems with the FC-R9100-P power meter crankset.
      • Shimano Shadow RD+ Torque Reference Sheet Breakaway torque specs for Shadow RD+ clutch based chain stabilizers
      • Shimano Recovering Nonresponsive Di2 Systems Troubleshooting guide for recovering a non-responsive Di2 system
      • ShimanoFirmware Restoration Guide Using the SM-PCE1 or SM-PCE02 to restore firmware of a corrupted Di2 or STEPS component
      • Shimano Di2 Battery Drain Diagnosis Using the SM-PCE02 to diagnose battery drain in Di2 systems
      • Shimano Common Di2 Problems and Solutions Basic troubleshooting of Di2 systems
      • Shimano Di2 SW-R600 Installation Installing, operating, and reassigning switch functions to the SW-R600 Di2 Satellite Switch
  • Cycling Events
    • North America >
      • United States
  • Post Your Cycling Events