Bicycle Mechanics - time to replace my break pads?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : time to replace my break pads?

sphynx_000
04-03-08, 03:01 PM
I tore up my pads real bad riding in mud last fall. They still have some rubber left, but I think I will replace them anyways just because they look so bad...

(I cant get pictures to post, check out the links)

brake (1) (http://www.mediafire.com/imageview.php?quickkey=tjt2wjn1fmo&thumb=4)
brake (2) (http://www.mediafire.com/imageview.php?quickkey=9wz9ntywe4a&thumb=4)
brake (3) (http://www.mediafire.com/imageview.php?quickkey=zwgkausfbtn&thumb=4)


Unfortunately my rims also got a little etched up in the process (tiny grooves from dirt caught in the brakes I am guessing). I am worried about how much damage I caused my rims, and if they will wear out brake pads faster now?

Does this happen to anyone else?

kramnnim
04-03-08, 07:26 PM
Looks like the pads still have some life in them...

I wouldn't worry about the scuffed sidewalls...but you could take some sandpaper and sand them lightly if they're so bad they cut into the pad material...

And yes, it's not abnormal.
Pragmatik
04-03-08, 07:39 PM
My rims have racing stripes from crap that got caught in my pads. They haven't damaged my pads after a lot of riding that way:)

BCRider
04-03-08, 07:52 PM
Shimano pads are especially bad for galling and picking up metal from the rims and then cutting grooves in the brake path. It seems to affect heavier riders more than light guys. At around 200lbs I can't use them at all but the little 140 lb guy at work gets great results from them.

If these are Shimano pads and you're more than around 150 I'd suggest you change them to another brand pad all together. Your rims will thank you. Once I junked mine my rims became better by the week as the new pads wore down the surfaces much more evenly and without unwanted surprises.
sphynx_000
04-03-08, 11:37 PM
they are avid pads, and I am a little guy.

I took a little sandpaper to them and smoothed them down a bit. I put them back on the bike and they work much better now. They even sound better when braking. Now, I am thinking they will do fine for another season.
Wordbiker
04-03-08, 11:44 PM
If they're break pads, they're prone to breaking. Brake pads are much better for braking.
Little Darwin
04-04-08, 06:23 AM
I agree that those pads look fine... As long as you have some depth to the two grooves, you should be fine. Once it gets completely flat you are done... At least that's the way I understand it.
operator
04-04-08, 06:25 AM
Do yourself a favour and replace them with koolstop v-pads next time.