Guess cooking your pads works.
 

So I got some Shimano SLX brakes a few weeks ago. Some may remember or not. Anyway, they're great, but needed a bit of tweaking to feel right. Turns out one of the bolts on them wasn't tightened and there was a small leak on the front, so I had to have it bled. The FEEL is right now, but it still didn't stop to my liking (talking about the front - rear feels perfect).

I didn't want to take it back to the shop for something that seemed simple. But I was scared of physically removing the pads and then baking them. But I figured there just couldn't be much that could go wrong and to HTFU and do the job.

I was right. The pads came out easily (I have been freaked out about everything handling these brakes since they're my first hydros lol). I swabbed them with alcohol and then baked them for like a half hour. Let em cool nice and slow, put em back in, screwed everything back in, and prayed.

Prior to this, the front felt like it just didn't have the stopping power it should for a 185mm hydro rotor. Also squeaked like hell. NOW, however, it's frigging perfect. Quiet, smooth and strong.:thumb:

Okay, that's my feel good story. I was actually pretty worried that these brakes would end up being a headache. Not so!

Other than baking, there weren't any adjustments made to the calibers?

My brakes squeak bad and I might consider baking as an option.

Thanks!

Oh, and how hot? :P

no, no other adjustments necessary. baking should probably be at least about 450F for 20-30 mins. I've also read you can use a torch to do the job quicker. But that seems like it would do the job more inconsistently, potentially.

Was the intent to cook off brake fluid that contaminated the pads?

I been rockng this method since I 1st got disc brakes. Never baked my pads, just myself.

It's possible that there may have been some. There was a tiny bit on the outer surface of the brake, but none that I saw on the actual pads or rotor (not that I was worried about the rotor, those are easy to clean). But it's good now.

I've read from tons of different places that automotive brake fluid is NOT recommended.

Huh? That's what most brakes use. If you meant automotive brake cleaner, then I still disagree - that stuff works great. But you can pay more for mtb brake cleaner if you want to...

^^ Haha, good thing Raiyn isn't here to yell at you in reflex blue Arial ;).


Yes. If you are mildly perturbed with your brakes, a .22 will do in a pinch; if you are REALLY pissed with them, up it to a .357 or even a .44 mag.

You guys use your brakes-COWARDS!

yeah, I meant automotive brake cleaner. Key word being automotive. Something about it being designed for the higher amounts of heat generated by automotive discs compared to MTB discs. Could be BS though (especially if you're going to cook your pads anyway).

Heating up moaning/howling pads, along with a good rotor cleanup (I use Clean Streak), often does do the trick. I use the propane-torch method myself... get the torch running with a small flame and heat 'em up for about 15 seconds. They usually emit a little visible smoke when removed from the flame. Clean the rotors while they cool down, reinstall, test.

Most don`t use automotive brake fluid.
Magura uses `magura blood` mineral oil.
Shimano uses Shimano mineral oil.

Avid Sram use DOT, but I wouldn`t want to use that in case of an accidental spill and possible paint damage.

metal pads squeak and last long, organic are more quiet and don't last as long.

sand and dirt also make your brakes squeak.

if your main problem is squeaky brakes, i don't see a need to bake the pads.

actually, no matter what, i don't understand the need to bake brake pads. not stopping enough? adjust brakes. too squeaky, refer to above advice.

the ONLY thing on your bike that should get baked is the rider.

Avid uses DOT. Hayes uses DOT. Hope uses DOT. I'm up 3-2.

Your concerns about paint damage are unfounded, as long as you wipe it off in a timely fashion. I use ATE Superblue in my Codes.

After years of following similar discussions, I conclude that 1) people are generally really careless and spray chain lube or WD40 or motor oil on their brakes quite frequently and 2) people are generally cheap and want to figure out how to remedy their mistake without paying for new pads, therefore 3) someone got the bright idea to put them in the oven. I think someone tried the dishwasher once too but that never caught on.

+rep

Yes but there is probably more Shimano than Avid+hayes+Hope

not so sure about that...there are LOTS of avid out there...LOTS....

Yeah. Lots of Avids out there. I don't see what would be so bad about baking your pads. If they're squeaking and that will solve the problem, why not? I advocate baking pads, not riders(Though I do support the freedom to do so if you so choose.).

Reminder that the pads were baked and then cleaned again with alcohol. It's not like baking is the only part of the process. But it really does seem to work.

I've dealt with factory lower-end Shimanos that are moany-groany to the point of being unsellable, from the factory, until they get their torch treatment. These are equipped with the resin pads. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do :)

Mmmm..baked..:ride: Wait..I forgot..oh yea, cookies were the subject..cookies are baked...:p