brake pads

karl randell

hi i replaced the worn pads in my avid 3's with metal sintered pads the guy in my lbs said theyre good and i dont now if the one i took out are the same but when i brake now all i get is a big squeal and no stoping power how do i stop this?

Docgeoffyjones

Ufortunatley it always takes a few rides to get new pads working at full potential.
There are several schools of though on breaking in pads.

Personally i like to go out for a really muddy bike ride. then give them a good clean with isoproply alcohol. the advantage of this technique is that if you pick a particualy nasty day there won't be anyone out and about to hear you squealling.

Then after a couple of rides i swap the pads over i.e from front to rear. I find the pads in the rear brake wear in quicker because of the smaller rotor. I find this helps stops the back brake having more bite than the front.

I know alot of people go for the whole drag the brake on a long descent. However i personnaly find this can upset the pistons and you have to faff about making sure the pistons move evenly again. Also i worry this method may put a warp in the smaller rear rotor. ( i run hope Mono M4)s

jimmi07

bedding pads in on a wet muddy day is like setting fire to a tenner

the wet means the brakes dont as hot as they should and the mud just rips the soft fresh pad meterial to bits

roll down a dry steep hill dragging the brakes (about half a mile should do it at a decent speed) then let tehm cool before riding again...your pads will last longer