loss of power in Oro K24

Gilesw2010

Hi all,

I've got a commencal Meta fitted with Formula Oro K24 Brakes - usually a fantastic set of stoppers.

For the last day or so I've noticed a definite loss of power - particularly in the back brake. The lever position and feel hasnt changed and they are quite new so Im guessing they don't need bleeding, but they have been very noisy (which is unusual for them), and it is taking a lot longer to slow down.

My guess is that they've been contaminated with something and probably need a good clean. Would this sound right or could it be something else?

cheers

nicklouse

sounds like contamination.

what have you done to the bike recently or what have you done near the bike?

get new pads ordered and make sure the rotor is clean before fitting the new pads.

Gilesw2010

thanks Nick. The only thing I can think is that when cleaning and regreasing the bike I may have accidently got some cleaner or grease on them.

I'll get some new pads today.

cheers again.

Sudden Death

Wotcha,

I read somewhere that the fluid in disc brakes has a tendency to attract moisture. Which can cause a "spongy" feeling to the brakes.
It has been unusually warm recently and the levels of moisture in the atmosphere has been quite high.
The fix is to level the levers, remove the cover from the reservoir and pump the levers for a few minutes. You should notice bubbles coming to the top of the reservoir. Once you're happy with the feel of the brake, top the hydraulic fluid up to it's designated mark and replace the cover.

Some hydraulic fluids are more susceptible to this than others. Please check with a qualified person before doing any of the above, it's just a suggestion ;-)

Gilesw2010

and a good suggestion too - thanks for the tip!

I think I saw something similar in this months MBR. Might just give it a go.

nicklouse

water in the fluid does not make you lose power unless you get the fluid hot and the water turns gaseous when you then get a spongy lever.

you say the lever feels the same. also as the system is closed water does not get into the system as easily as say a car or MC where the fluid is actually open to the atmosphere.

Lose of power with the same lever feel is purely a mechanical problem. and that tends to be contamination.

PS removing the cover from the reservoir on the Oros is not a good idea.