Hayes Stroker Trail brakes - whats wrong?

shredder900
shredder900 Posts: 6
edited August 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Took my new marin rocky ridge out for a weekend in scotland had no probs - (bike was awesome!!!!)

I got home and discovered that the front brake was rubbing on the rotor and not allowing the wheel to spin freely, additionally i found that the brake lever pulls right back to the handlebars, giving no virtually stopping power at all until the end of the pull when there is very slight resistance put on the rotor by the brakes

I'm rather a noob when it comes to bike maintenance so not too sure whats up with it, any ideas? Do they need a 'bleeding' and can I do this myself if this is the case?

Thanks in advance

shredder

Comments

  • BoardinBob
    BoardinBob Posts: 697
    For the pads touching the rotor, it sounds as though you've accidentally squeezed the lever when the front wheel was removed and the pads, which are self adjusting as they wear out, have been pushed in.

    You need to remove the wheel then push the pads and pistons back using a flat bladed screwdriver. Just get the blade in between the pads and push each one back out.

    Try that and see how it affects the lever.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    if the lever has no power and feels spongy then bleed time.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • shredder900
    shredder900 Posts: 6
    cheers for the replies

    i'll give what you said boardinbob first hopefully that will fix it, just wondering what these pistons are you are referring to and what they look like? i need to pull them out?

    nicklouse - could i do a bleed myself?

    ive seen the video on youtube of the guy from 'hayesdiscbrakes' performing a bleed and think i could have a go. what do you think?

    can't believe i may need to bleed my brand new bike! any reasons for this, is it my fault?

    thanks for any assistance
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    I'd give bleeding them yourself a go, most people reckon it's easy on Hayes (+ good video and downloadable instructions). Personally I found them a nightmare and gave up (for the time being :p ) after three attempts - I just couldn't get enough air out despite trying lots of tips/tricks (and swapping the squeeze bottle for a syringe).
  • M6TTF
    M6TTF Posts: 602
    if it's a brand new bike then get the shop to do it

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