Smoke when bedding in ceramic pads?

[Falcon_LS]

My cousin's got a '07 TrailBlazer, which I just did a brake job on. I had the rotors resurfaced, as they were glazed, and installed a set of Raybestos Advanced Technology Ceramic pads before replacing the fluid. I bedded in the pads using the following technique:

- 6 x smooth stops from 35 MPH - 0 MPH
- 4 x smooth stops from 45 MPH - 0 MPH
- 2 x smooth stops from 65 MPH - 0 MPH

In all 12 stops, I did not stop the vehicle completely or allow the pads to "rest" on the discs.

Usually, during the process, I can smell the brakes. But this time was a slightly different experience. I could smell the rear brakes, but I literally had quite a bit of smoke coming out from front. I let the car sit for about 4 hours, and it took about 4-5 minutes before the smoke went away.

Having said that, the brakes now grab perfectly, and the rotors have a matt finish to them with a blue/gray tint. But this is the first time I've seen a bedding procedure result in so much smoke. That said, this is also the first time I try ceramic pads. Is this considered "normal"? Thanks!

Edit: Here's a video I filmed shortly after parking the vehicle. Not as much smoke as there was initially, but you can still see it. Video

 

[robertcope]

I wouldn't worry about it, personally. My pads smoke all the time when I bed them in. As long as it is stopping well now, you're good!

robert

 

[rslifkin]

I bedded in my front Thermoquiets pretty much like that, maybe a little harder. They were pretty much pouring smoke by the time I got them good and hot. No issues though, and they worked great after a good cooldown (and have for several thousand miles since).

 

[gathermewool]

May be a silly question, but did the shop that turned the rotors use any oil?

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for the input!

No oil was used when turning the rotors, they just bolted into place and resurfaced it.

 

[mechtech2]

Aggressive break in with rough surfaces create a lot of heat.
Let the rotors get properly 'glazed' again.