unrelated

I think my brake pad's pretty much done.

I haven't rode my bike for quite a while and recently started riding again. The rear brake (Avid Mechanical, on a 2001 bike) doesn't lock up no matter how hard I squeeze it, and I nearly couldn't stop in time for traffic( I turned instead to avoid accident). I figured that the brake pad must have became slick rubber by now.

I've never changed it before and don't know how. I don't have the user manual either. Any instructions? Are the pads pretty standard or are they unique to the model? What to watch out for?

Thanks in advance!

arboc!

every brand has its own pads. fairly simple to change, only tools needed are hands. take the old ones out and put the new ones in

arboc!

to get them out, twist the adjusters all the way out (counter clock wise) and then squease the little tabs that stick out together and pull. installation is pretty much the same

manual

DCCommuter

The Avid pads last quite a long time. Are your brakes adjusted? It sounds like your pads might be contaminated or need breaking in. Before replacing them, I'd adjust them and then do 20 or so stops and see if the braking improves.

Why are you using your rear brake to stop? You should be using your front brake. See https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html#frontorrear

oknups

go to avid sram website goggle it. Download the pdf file. Print it.
changing the pads is easy, USE THIER INSTRUCTIONS.
takes about 10 min, first time.

arboc!

i posted the manuel /\

UCSDbikeAnarchy

I would check the adjustment of the brakes before goign out and buying new pads. The nice thing about the Avid mechs is that the pads are really easy to change, no fluid mess or bleeding needed!

I've read a lot of the sheldon brown stuff but I never saw The one on breaking before. I've always used both breaks about equally. Its nice to know that there is a better way to stop. I always wondered why the disc on my front wheel was so much bigger.

unrelated

Thanks a lot! I'll check my pads when I get back today.

unrelated

Ok I followed the instructions on the PDF file and checked the pads. The pdf file says that pads should be changed when the total thickness of the pad plus the backing is less than 3mm. 3mm? That's freaking thin for 2 layers!

Anyways, mine is slightly more than 3mm.

Anyways, the indicator on the front is about 1mm out of the knob, whereas the rear is flushed. Any idea?

Raiyn

Recenter the brakes following the instructions. you may have to start from the top like it was a fresh install

arboc!

if this doesnt fix it, just get some new pads.... sometimes cheap pads kind of get *blaaaaaa* after sitting forever with out use

unrelated

How much do pads usually cost?

arboc!

$20 give or take

Raiyn

$13
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/111...Brake-Pads.htm

unrelated

Thanks!

Raiyn

I actually use the one's in the link provided. They work quite well.