Don’t Skip This Step: Why a Follow Up Brake Service Bleed Matters After Your Big Brake Upgrade
Upgrading to a big brake kit is one of the best safety and performance improvements you can make to your vehicle. But to get the absolute best pedal feel and braking consistency from your new system, there is one small but important follow up step that should not be overlooked: a service bleed after roughly 150 km or 100 miles of driving.
This is not about correcting a problem. It is about completing the installation process properly and ensuring your brakes are performing exactly as they were designed to.
Why a Follow Up Bleed Is Part of Good Practice
When a brake system is installed, the hydraulic lines are opened and fresh fluid is introduced. Even with careful bleeding during installation, very small air bubbles can remain trapped in the system.
During the first few heat cycles and driving sessions after fitment:
• Pads bed into the rotors
• Pistons settle into their working positions
• Seals and hoses experience their first temperature and pressure cycles
As this happens, tiny air pockets that were previously trapped can migrate into the main fluid path. This is normal behaviour in hydraulic systems, especially with multi piston performance calipers.
A follow up bleed simply removes this remaining air and ensures the system is operating at peak efficiency.
Pedal Feel and Confidence Go Hand in Hand
One of the biggest benefits of a big brake kit is improved pedal consistency and feedback. If small air bubbles remain in the system, the pedal can feel slightly softer or have more travel than expected.
While braking performance may still be strong, the driver may not experience the firm, confidence inspiring pedal that the system is capable of delivering.
A quick service bleed restores that solid pedal feel and completes the setup of the system.
Why Around 150 km or 100 Miles Is Ideal
We recommend scheduling the service bleed after approximately 150 km or 100 miles because:
• Initial bedding has taken place
• Heat cycles have occurred
• Pistons and seals have settled
• Any micro bubbles have had time to migrate
At this point, a bleed is most effective and usually only takes a short amount of time at your fitment centre.
Working Together With Your Fitment Centre
Our dealer and fitment partners play a critical role in ensuring every Powerbrake system performs as intended. In many cases, customers simply forget to return for the follow up, especially when the brakes already feel good after installation.
That is why we encourage customers to be proactive and book their follow up bleed at the time of installation, or set a reminder once the first 150 km or 100 miles have been completed.
This small return visit helps your fitment centre fine tune the system and gives you peace of mind that everything is working exactly as it should.
A Small Step That Protects a Big Investment
A big brake upgrade is a serious investment in safety and performance. The follow up service bleed is quick, inexpensive, and plays a big role in long term satisfaction with the upgrade.
Think of it like a first service after a major mechanical upgrade. It is not about fixing faults, it is about confirming everything is operating at its best.
The Bottom Line
To get the best possible performance from your big brake kit:
• Enjoy the first drive and allow the brakes to start bedding in
• After about 150 km or 100 miles, return to your fitment centre
• Ask for a quick service bleed to finalise the installation
It is a simple step, but it makes a noticeable difference in pedal feel, consistency, and overall confidence behind the wheel.
And that is exactly what a performance brake upgrade should deliver.
Get in touch with our technical team to learn more:
USA, North America, 704.421.5857, info@powerbrake.us 7156 Weddington Rd, Unit 160 Concord NC, 28027
www.powerbrake.us & www.powerbrakeglobal.com