JeroldLopez

I just came home with my new Trek Fuel EX 8. First time ever with disc brakes. I took the front wheel off to install something and when I put it back on I noticed/heard it rub on the pads when I spun the front wheel. I flipped it upside down so it stood on the seat and the bars thinking that the wheel may have been askew causing the rub. I must have depressed the brake lever at some point because the pads are in the closed position and I can't get them apart to get the rotor between them? Is there a release or something? Generally, is it a bad idea to turn the bike upside down if you have hydraulic brakes? they are Avid Juicy 5 brakes.

Is disc pad rub normal on this type of brake system?

My brother-in-law said that his kid's bike's disc brakes rub and he said never again would he get disc brakes. His kid is 8, so I don't think he shelled out 2G's for his kid's ride.

Thanks,
Jerold

hockey

Hey Jerold. Just place a large flat screwdriver between the pads and pry apart slowly. Next time you have the wheel off, place a spacer between the pads. If travelling on a rack place a spacer to preserve the space between the pads. Some rubbing with pads is normal, adjustment is possible using the set screws on the cyclinders.
Hockey

JeroldLopez

Thanks. I got them apart and replaced the wheel. It's now rubbing even more so. So much that if i pick up the front end and spin the wheel, it practically drags against the pads. Like the pads are barely moving off the rotor after I let go of the lever.

I found a tech manual online that mentions "sticky" pistons or slow brake pad returns and give instructions. I called up the shop and I'm probably gonna stop by tomorrow.

Good tip on the spacer!

Another thing... Noticed that I can pull the brake lever out past it's normal open position. It kinda clicks outwards and when I pull it closed again it will click back into place. What is that for? The brake system on this bike didn't come with a manual.

Thanks.

al-wagner

When I got my new bike with the LBS told me that if I took off the wheels to put a piece of cardboard between the pads for a spacer .

kill.cactus

Yeah, spacer is a definite necessity. Basically some pads (I think kool stop disk pads do this a lot) stick together, resulting in stupid and embarrassing situations when you're changing a flat on the trail with your friends (lol)

good luck!

Rev.Chuck

The click past the normal position is a safety thing. It helps to keep the MC from getting damaged when the lever gets smacked forward.

JeroldLopez

Thanks for the spacer tip. I used a thick piece of cardboard after I initially pried them apart. I decided to make one out of some scrap plastic that I can keep in my bag. I work for an architectural firm, so I took some scrap plastic that we make models out of and cut an 1.5" square and then rounded the edges with a dremel and sandpaper. They come in different thicknesses and I used 3/16". I might even sand one side into more of a blunt knife edge so I can jimmy the spacer in between them if the pads close up tight. The plastic can be found at any decent model shop. I think they are called styrene plastic sheets and are white. Easy to cut with a utility knife and isn't brittle, just score and snap like gypsum board, then tool and sand as needed.

BarracksSi

User manuals for Avid brakes are here:

https://www.sram.com/en/service/avid/...D=1&subcatID=1