Honking brakes. My ideas to fix - any more?

pilsburypie
pilsburypie Posts: 891
edited March 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
Out on my ride today, I must say I was a bit embarrassed :oops:

OK, pretty new Formula Rx1's on my Zesty. Say 8 rides old..... avge 15 miles/ride.

Bloody brakes honk like an angry goose. Front and back! Last week put a smear of copper grease on the back which helped for the next ride, but back to honking now. More copper grease?

Someone said maybe a shiney surface on the pads. Will a sanding sort that? Will I need to bed them in again - you know, the 20 hard stops?

Could they be contaminated? They don't feel quite as sharp.... should I just get new pads?

Should I clean the rotor? What with? isopropyl alcohol?

Should I just get a big hammer and "fix" them?

Really doing my head in. I don't want people knowing I'm a pussy and braking! Braking is for losers! :lol:

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    have you read the formula guide to squeaky disc brakes.

    TBH after copper slipping them i would bin them. as it is for me a big NO NO never have and never will on a push bike.

    Have often on cars.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    No I've not - perhaps I should have a read!

    Why is copper grease such a big no no for you? Do you think it will contaminate the pads?

    Seemed to work very well on my juicy 5's and those pads had holes in the back of them. The formulas have a complete metal back
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    Right - had a read and it seems like they recon contaminated pads..... so new pads time I guess. Anyhow, I'd still be interested on your thoughts on why not to copper grease. My pads honked even before I put ot on.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    pilsburypie wrote:
    Right - had a read and it seems like they recon contaminated pads..... so new pads time I guess. Anyhow, I'd still be interested on your thoughts on why not to copper grease. My pads honked even before I put ot on.
    On cars, the heat produced is so high that a little bit of copper slip contamination is nto an issue. Any residue will be burnt off quite readily.
    On an MTB this is not the case.
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    Right - so what is the cure then if they honk and the pads aren't contaminated? I've just ordered 4 sets of pads from superstar so as soon as they come I can try new pads out.

    I have had this issue with all my brakes - 2 sets of Juicy 5's and now this set of Formula Rx1's. As I said the copper grease on the back of the Avids did the trick.... Can it be me? I ride cannock mainly with welsh trail centres thrown in now and again. All may mates have hydraulic discs and don't have this issue! Hopes, avids etc.....

    I like to give my bike a good wash after each dirty ride.... could it be me contaminating them? I use a different brush for my gears and drivetrain than I do for frame forks and brakes.... can fairy contaminate them? Trying to think why just me and not others who ride the same trails....
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    don't clean your brakes. Leave them alone. Don't get any soap or anything else on them. THERE's your problem.
  • Deputy Dawg
    Deputy Dawg Posts: 428
    pilsburypie wrote:
    can fairy contaminate them?
    Yes. Best to leave that stuff for the dishes ;)
    Statistically, Six Out Of Seven Dwarves Aren't Happy
  • pilsburypie
    pilsburypie Posts: 891
    Sh1t, there's me giving them some real TLC and I'm buggering them up. Would you believe it? :lol:

    So, new pads for me and I'll leave well alone in future.

    Cheers
  • supafly1982
    supafly1982 Posts: 631
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    don't clean your brakes. Leave them alone. Don't get any soap or anything else on them. THERE's your problem.

    so what are you supposed to do if grit/dirt gets trapped in them, can it not bed in a damage parts, i would be interested to know ho0w you service your brakes.

    cheers
    scott
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    water. or a cycle brake cleaner or IPA.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    nicklouse wrote:
    water. or a cycle brake cleaner or IPA.
    ^^This.
    They WILL get dirty, it's just part of life. Soaps, detergents etc all mess them up.
    Blast with a hose will get anything out, that's about it, but like Nick says, if they really need looking at, IPA will do.
  • supafly1982
    supafly1982 Posts: 631
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    water. or a cycle brake cleaner or IPA.
    ^^This.
    They WILL get dirty, it's just part of life. Soaps, detergents etc all mess them up.
    Blast with a hose will get anything out, that's about it, but like Nick says, if they really need looking at, IPA will do.

    Thats okay then, all ive been using is water, i missunderstood thinking you werent to wash them at all lol,

    cheers
    scott
  • DodgeT
    DodgeT Posts: 2,255
    I always give the bike and brakes (everything basically) a wash with water and a bit of fairy, usually rinsing the calipers/pads through to get rid of the grit.

    Rear honks (sometimes when getting hotter) but the front is quiet as a mouse.

    Then, I have organic pads front, sintered rear, so dont know if this is the issue.

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