Problem when braking

bikeit65

Whenever i pull the front brake it is like shuddering feeling,
any ideas what this could be.
I thought the headset might have come loose so i checked the headset but it is fine, checked the front brake calliper there is no play in it but the brake blocks are a bit worn down but there is still life in them, would changing the blocks make any difference?
Any help or advise would be great.

careful

You dont say what type of brakes (V, caliper etc) some are more prone to this than others. If you have eliminated play in the headset and brakes then dirty or greasy rims are a common culprit. Give the rims braking surfaces a good scrub with a kitchen scourer or similar gentle abrasive - see if it helps. If not then try new blocks and set them with a bit of toe-in if possible (closer to the rim at the front of the blocks). This is not possible on all types of brakes though.

ride_whenever

have you just tightened the headset or removed the forks and re-greased it?

I had a headset wobble that i couldn't fix, turned out to be the lower bearings had rusted away as had the crown race that just dropped off the steerer when i turned the forks upsidedown!!!!!

ride_whenever

also worth checking the hub for play, to eliminate the brakes as a source, turn the front wheel perpendicular to the frame and see if it still knocks at all.

bikeit65

Thanks.
Careful they are Ultegra calliper brakes.
Will give the wheel rims a good clean, will let you know how i get on,

John C.

Ultegra Pads :shock: beware, they are hard wearing, hope your rims are, try some softer pads Coolstop http://www.wiggle.co.uk/m/cycle/7/Kool_Stop/ or swisstop

bikeit65

John C would these suit my brakes, if so would i be better getting black or red?



http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kool_ ... 300005952/

John C.

Red are softer and will wear out quicker, but if you have soft rims go for these. The black ones will still be kinder than Ultegra and will be much better brakes. Once you've tried them you won't go back. For what it's worth I'm on the black with Shimano WHr550 wheels and there is no sign of wear after 2000 hilly miles.