Bicycle Mechanics - Juicy 5 help please

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poopskidz
10-11-08, 08:26 AM
i bought a slightly used juicy 5 not to long ago and worked perfect on the bike it was on but when i put it on mine it didnt work to well. The handle is really hard to pull and it only slows me down it lacks a ton of braking power does anyone know what the problem could be. i set it up and my clearance is fine, no rubbing on the disk and the pads look fine

frankenmike
10-11-08, 07:54 PM
Hmmm... that's odd. Is it possible that the hydraulic line got kinked somehow? Also, what size rotor, is it front or rear, and are the pads worn down?
mcoomer
10-11-08, 08:47 PM
Both front and rear brakes are not working properly now? Try each one and see if you can lock up the wheels. You should be able to. If not, and if you're levers are firm, pull the calipers off the bike, leave the pads in place in the caliper, and cycle the levers. Make sure the pistons extend and that the pads come together. If so then I suspect that you're pads are contaminated. If not then you should try to bleed the system.

Mike

DeadSailor
10-11-08, 09:05 PM
sounds like the pads to me

buy new pads and clean your rotor with rubbing alcohol
poopskidz
10-14-08, 08:50 PM
my line never got kinked im posetive of that. the rotor is 160mm, and the pads dont seem to be worn down although i could be wrong but these brakes are pretty new

this is also only a front brake, my rear rim brake still works like its supposed to and actually has more power than my front disk which i know is capable of tons of power
mcoomer
10-15-08, 08:07 AM
So, look up the page at my post and check that the pistons will extend and compress the pads. If so, and if you have a firm lever, I suspect that your pads have been contaminated. It's fairly common for someone to spill lube or brake fluid on parts and it only take a little bit to ruin a set of pads. Replace the pads and clean the rotor with alcohol and a clean rag. Also, if you pull the caliper and fully extend the pistons put a couple of drops of lube (Tri-flow, brake fluid, etc) at the base of each piston. You'll only need a 2-3 drops and you have to be careful to avoid spilling any on the brake pads. Sometimes pistons will bind up a bit and a little lube helps free them up.

Post an update once you've tried some more troubleshooting.

Mike