Folding Bikes - Why is there residue brake pads all over my rims ?

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
vmaniqui
06-24-09, 03:27 PM
hi anyone,

just out of curiosity - why is there brake pad residue all over my rims. is this normal or do i need to change the cheap pads ? i tried cleaning the rim but the residue won't come off. any idea ? this is on both my dahon boardwalk D7 adn dahon curve d3

thanks,
vic

jur
06-24-09, 05:46 PM
I wouldn't worry about it. You can clean it using a scouring pad, but it will just be back a bit later.

Diferent pads may make a difference; in my experience the salmon ones don't leave a residue and brake better.
AEO
06-24-09, 06:03 PM
50~70% isopropanol rubbing alcohol and kitchen oven scouring pad. available at your local drug store.

that black residue looks ugly, but the thing to worry about are shards of glass and metal embedded in the pads.

vmaniqui
06-24-09, 08:12 PM
thanks guys. really appreciate the advise and quick responses....
Folder4life
06-24-09, 09:39 PM
My Dahon Mu used to get lots of brake dust compared to my Brompton and other bikes, too. But the brakes worked great. I would imagine the brakes are like car brakes so brake dust is normal.
itsajustme
06-25-09, 05:54 AM
Brake dust in wet weather spreads filth more efficiently than a chain greased with motor oil.

I'm going to change my folder to a hub brake once the rim wears out.