Will I need new brake pads?
12-07-19, 09:46 PM
#1
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Will I need new brake pads?
I just picked up my first bike with disk brakes. I wasn't happy with the feel of the front brakes so the shop added a little brake fluid. In the process they spilled brake fluid on the front disk and ended up having to clean the disk and put on new pads. I think the guy realized they were still squeeling after he replaced them, but was embarassed by his mistake. I brought the bike home and took it for a short ride. The front pads are still squealing. Do you think the disk wasn't cleaned well enough and it'll need another set of pads? I'm tempted to try cleaning the disk this Sunday before I resort to taking it back in and let them fix it. It's their responsiblity, but it's a lot of time and effort on my part to bring it back in.
12-07-19, 10:04 PM
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Once a pad is contaminated it is difficult or impossible to clean effectively so the pads will likely need replacement if contaminated . The best cleaner I know if is Brakleen: https://www.crcindustries.com/produc...-brakleen.html I'd clean the disk with that, and clean any other spilled fluid (use alcohol instead of Brakleen on paintwork) to avoid re-contamination, and fit new pads.
12-07-19, 10:08 PM
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I would return it without hesitation. If it needs new pads it is not your problem.
As a side note, My Trek Marlin 6 29r with hyd. disc haven't made a peep for the 4 or 5 years I've ridden it. They work great!
As a side note, My Trek Marlin 6 29r with hyd. disc haven't made a peep for the 4 or 5 years I've ridden it. They work great!
12-08-19, 09:28 AM
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Thanks guys.
To get it to the bike shop I'll need to leave it parked in the back of my truck all day while I'm at work. I really don't want to do that, so I'll try cleaning the disk today and see if that does it. If not, the pads have probably absorbed too much brake fluid.
To get it to the bike shop I'll need to leave it parked in the back of my truck all day while I'm at work. I really don't want to do that, so I'll try cleaning the disk today and see if that does it. If not, the pads have probably absorbed too much brake fluid.
12-08-19, 09:49 AM
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Take the pads out and sand down the surface with some 100-200 grit sandpaper on a flat surface. Sand until virgin material appears. If this doesn't work take it back to the shop.
12-08-19, 07:14 PM
#6
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You should double check that the caliper assembly is true to the disk. You just need to loosen the two bolts holding the caliper and then squeeze the brakes so the pads clamp down on the disk. Then tighten up the bolts. The squeal could be just mis-alignment of the caliper. Also, take the bike out and do very hard stops about five times going down a hill. This is to set the pads on the disk. Then check if the squeal is still present. If so then take it back to the shop.
