Brake fade?

Jon_Pearson

I haven't used my bike for about 2 months and when i finally rode it the brakes where really rubbish like they where faded. You could pull the lever pritty hard and the pads rubbed against the disc instead of biting it. I dont over use my brakes, i do canal runs and a few road rides. Any ideas why the brakes are going a bit rubbish from doing nothin? My brakes are Shimano M575

nicklouse

so the lever was still feeling like normal?

but no stopping power?

where do you keep the bike?

Jon_Pearson

In the garage

bamba

Seized pads/pistons ? build up of corrosion ? contamination on the discs from spraying stuff near the bike while not being used (wd40) ?
First you need to find out if the pistons/ pads are actually moving when you pull the brakes levers,
If there free then try removing the pads, quick clean up with some wet n dry and a clean with some kind of alcohol ( not beer) spray or brake cleaner type stuff.

Jon_Pearson

To be honest the brakes do it all the time. One day they will be really sharp and good then u leave your bike for a hour then go back on it then the brakes have lost abit of bitting power from the pads.

Theres nothing wrong with the brakes them selfs, i think its got something to do with the pads.

bamba

So its not really down to the original statement of being stood for 2 months then ?

madmole

Air/water in the brake fluid. volume dependent on temp, therefore changes every day. Change fluid and bleed