Lumps of aluminum getting caught in the brakes
03-08-11, 05:44 AM
#1
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Lumps of aluminum getting caught in the brakes
So I was riding my Giant to the shops today and suddenly my front brake starts making a horrible scraping noise. I take it to the shop and the guy finds a lump of aluminum stuck in the brake pad. He clears out the aluminum and all seems fine. As im riding back from the bike shop the noise starts again so I pull over pop the wheel off and this time there is aluminum on the other brake pad (the first time was the right side, the second was the left). Now this has me thinking that my wheels must be wrecked as the aluminum must have come from the rim. The bike is only 2 weeks old though. Admittedly I've already ridden it 100+ miles but still. Is there some common cause for this kind of thing? are my wheels done for or is something else to blame ?
03-08-11, 06:04 AM
#2
Throw the stick!!!!
It is just one of those things that comes with riding, sometimes your brakes get slivers of metal in them. I replaced my pads a week or so ago and I think there was more metal in them than rubber.
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03-08-11, 06:09 AM
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Some brake pads are worse than others for doing this.
I suggest you get a set of decent pads. Your wheels will still be fine.
I suggest you get a set of decent pads. Your wheels will still be fine.
03-08-11, 06:10 AM
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You're fine, pull out the metal and ride on.
03-08-11, 06:23 AM
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Thank you guys, I'll see about changing out my pads if it persists. good too know my wheels aint buggered though 
03-08-11, 06:35 AM
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New wheels = metal flakes. Use a blade to remove metal shards. Should decrease as you breakin the wheels. No need to replace pads.
03-08-11, 09:25 AM
#9
Former Hoarder
What's important to know is anytime you hear that sound, clear them out as soon as you can. Metal shards, tiny rocks and other debris large enough to hear when braking can wreak havoc scraping against the brake surfaces.
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03-08-11, 09:29 AM
#10
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I had the same issue with the stock Tektro pads that came with my bike, I swapped to Kool Stop salmon pads and haven't had a problem with it since (2000 miles now). As a side benefit, the braking was hugely improved over the stock pads.
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