Disc brake problems
 

HI!~

i just got my bike like a week ago and i noticed a annoying sound that the front disc makes when the wheel is turned and ask the LBS guy and he said that it was because of it being new and it needs to get used to so he suggested to try riding the bike while holding down the breaks slightly.

but instead of it improving, now i think its gotten worse and the noise is really really loud now..pissing me off and all the people i ride pass are like staring at me...XD

what do you guys think is the problem?

what kind of brakes are they? I've been working on my Avid Juicy Sevens and I've managed to get them just right. Your pads shouldn't be rubbing against the rotors without applying the brakes. From my own experience, breaking in pads only solve 2 things:

1) Loud squeaking noises WHEN you apply brakes
2) Increased braking power

So I think you need to get your brake pad clearance adjusted again.

LOL i know whats like I had the same problem;P

If you take that front axle spinnymijigger pole in the wheel and turn the knob at the other and and re spin it a different way, it might cause the rotor to even out a little.

Wow, this tech-speak stuff goes right over my head :D.

Pad rub/noise is common with new pads. It goes away after a brief period of normal use. If the noise is getting worse, as in your case, some adjustments may be in order. Start by telling us what kind of brakes you have.

The guy that told you this is an idiot. Don't do it. And if you were doing it, it may be the source of your current problems...

serious? why...

huh?

They're either Tektro or Promax, from the sound of it. All brakes need to be broken in properly, but if they're cheap, the tolerances aren't tight and square enough to stop them from squealing.

the brakes are stock from my yukon.

ummm Shimano Deore BR-M495 Mechanical Discs

i had a look at the rotor and im not sure if they're rubbing against each other because its really hard to see.

If your turning while going fast does it make the noise really well?

I'd remove them, clean all the mounting surface of paint and dirt, reinstall and scuff the pads. But your shop should do that for you.

hmmm, had a look at the rotor again with a torch this time and found that there was also or no clearance between the disc and the left side of the rotor, since i dont know these things too well, is this normal?

You should have at least room for a business card between your rotor and inboard pad.

by inboard pad, do you mean the side closer to the disc or the one futher from it?

i tried the business card and doesnt fit the one closest to the disc but does the other way.XD

inboard is closest to the wheel (or right) - outboard would be closest to a guy standing on the left side of your bike.

Left and right for bicycles, like cars, is always from the driver's position. So the right pad, which is inside, is the one that needs to be moved. Since it's a mechanical brake, you need to adjust the pad out, or move the caliper over. The pad should have some adjustment to it.

yeah, the card fits.

denatured alcohol, where do you think i can get that?

Rubbing alcohol - same stuff you may have around to clean off cuts/scrapes (at least that's why my wife had some - for the kids). If not, a pharmacy/drug store should have some - don't know what you have down there.

Try your local chemist.

had a problem like this with somebodys bike at work. there was something stuck in the caliper so check the pads, caliper, and disc for any debris! if it still persists check the pads are alligned properly etc.

Well, you learn something new every day. I apologize for the bad gouge.

i have never had problems with non residue brake cleaner :rolleyes:

what is it with bicycle people and alcohol :D

Is there anything you can use that doesnt kill the pads if you accidently get some on them?

Speaking of which, what exactly does it do to the pads that ruins them, and couldnt you just wear through the bad part to get to the good part again?

I've tried doing that when somehow oil got onto my rear disc brake pads. It just completly ruins your pads. It soaks into the pads and you can't do much about it. My LBS told me to use a blow torch on the pads or something to do with heat, but he said it rarely makes them any better. Also on my Hayes disc brake instruction sheet, it tells me to not use any disc brake cleaner. I no myself not to use it anyway. I use Methylated Spirits, which is also another name for "Denatured Alcohol".

Ahh, good old metho! Wondered what dentured alcohol was!

Chaulk another one up to lost in translation :)

that is because they don't want residue left behind to affect performance. that is why i said non residue. there is absolutley NO HARM in spraying a rag or what have you with brake cleaner, spinning the wheel, and pinching the cloth around the two sides of the rotor to clean.

please....anyone that says this is bad truly does not know. i don't have to be a bicycle expert to know this. the rotor is steel...it's okay, you're not going to hurt it :rolleyes: