Mechanical disc brake

[1997BlackC5]

Quick question for the experts, fitted a new front mechanical disc brake to my Trek Y3 & I can't seem to get the thing to stop? Well it does stop eventually but the brake feels wooly yet the lever is firm?

Do you have to bed in disc brake pads? Any ideas?

Thx.

 

[The Ken]

what type is the lever and what type of cable brake is it, some are designed for V levers and some for canti's although both should work well with V brake levers - I use canti ones for mine though. I tried xlite levers with my cable hopes and they were useless and spongy. I switched to XT 2 finger levers but the best ones were my deore 4 finger levers.

They do need bedded in a little though. And check your disc/pads for oil contamination - clean them if needed.

 

[1997BlackC5]

I don't think its an issue with the level as there is good tension there when pulled, its just the pads gripping the disc which seems to be the issue. I'm wondering if I need to pop them out & give them a clean.

What do you clean the pads with?

 

[The Ken]

I use lighter fluid but these proper products have been recommended to me...

http://www.woollyhatshop.com/Lubricants ... _3204.html

http://www.spokesandpedals.co.uk/muc913.html

 

[mikeekim89]

I use lighter fluid too. On the disc though. Cover it in the fluid and light. It'll burn clean. Doesn't usually mark the disc too. Give it 30 seconds ish burning then douse the fire with water.

 

[jetstream]

If they were brand new pads that you are using, they may still be bedding in. I have a set of Avid BB7's that take a while before the new pads feel really grippy

 

[1997BlackC5]

They are brand new, only done about 12 miles on the bike. I think I'll run for a little longer to see if they come into their own. Failing that, lighter fuel maybe the way forward. Thx guys.

 

[big.eck]

i use petrol on the disc and use a slab in the garden to rub the shine/glaze off the pads


works for me

 

[mikeekim89]

i use petrol on the disc and use a slab in the garden to rub the shine/glaze off the pads


works for me

You set fire too it also big.eck?

 

[big.eck]

i use petrol on the disc and use a slab in the garden to rub the shine/glaze off the pads


works for me

You set fire too it also big.eck?

yes i forgot to add the set fire bit