Brakes or Lack of...

[Grubby]

I had GM training 20 years ago when I was a product engineer.

They suggested 80grit. I like to put the paper on a flat surface and run the pad over it until rough.

For the rotors I like a DA sander.

I typically use brake clean, but in a pinch I have used mineral spirits with no apparent ill effects.

Then as noted, bedding the brakes is critical. The auto manuals say do 10 x 40mph to 0 stops as quickly as possible without engaging ABS.

The current trend is to do 10 x 40 mph to near 0 stops. Don't come to a complete stop and then continue driving until the brakes cool some. There is some evidence coming to a stop can remove some of the brake material build up when the pads sit in one place on a super hot rotor.

Also note on my big braked ERA, it took nearly 20 x 40 mph to near 0 stops to get brake fade. That is how you know the pads are bedded. On my wifes Equinox, I got sufficient brake fade at 8 stops. You are looking for the brake fade not the number of stops.

John