Can brakes freeze up?

wilkij1975
wilkij1975 Posts: 532
edited November 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
This may be a stupid question but can hydraulic brakes freeze up?

I ask as i went out yesterday, got muddy, washed the bike when i got back and put it away in the garage for the night. I got it out this morning to put some lube on it (ooh er!) and the brakes hardly moved. They seemed to work a bit though but not sure i would have trusted them on a ride. They are Elixir 5's by the way.
Carbon 456

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    if there is water in the system yes. mineral oil ones are more susceptible than DOT version.

    do cars brakes freeze?

    crud and crap around the pistons/pads can and does freeze though.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Holyzeus
    Holyzeus Posts: 354
    Went out this morning in -6, not a problem. Well apart from the drinks bottle turning into a slush puppie.....
    Think your problem would be the water from the previous wash freezing?
    Nicolai CC
  • wilkij1975
    wilkij1975 Posts: 532
    Cheers

    I knew the oil wouldn't freeze. Just thought it might have got a bit viscous in the cold and therefore was harder to pull the brakes. You're probably right it was the wash and water freezing around the calliper. Just worried me a bit thats all.
    Carbon 456

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