Mechanical Disc Brakes Driving me Bonkers!!

Blacktemplar
Blacktemplar Posts: 713
edited May 2010 in The workshop
Hi Folks

Being technically incompetent with bikes (mostly) I wondered if some bright spark in here can help me with a problem I have with the rear Shimano Tektro IO caliper on my 2010 Felt QX75.

The front lever is nice and loose, doesn't need a huge amount of pressure to engage, and the pads grip really well. However the back brake is quite stiff, much harder to pull and even when fully engaged struggles to stop the bike in the dry. I've adjusted the caliper several times, and even with the pads just clearing the disc I'm still not getting much grip.

The bike's only done about 1,100 miles, and the front and rear pads look to be about the same thickness.

Could it be contamination on the rears? Anything else? :?

All advice gratefully received!

Cheers
"Get a bicycle. You won't regret it if you live"
Mark Twain

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    stiff operation could be poor routing/mucky cables.

    poor operation can be contamination.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Blacktemplar
    Blacktemplar Posts: 713
    Hmmm.... could be both then.

    As far as I can see routing looks OK, nothing catching and the cable seeps to pull the caliper OK. If it's mucky cables what's the best way to clear them?
    "Get a bicycle. You won't regret it if you live"
    Mark Twain

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