metal fragments in brake pads

ukracer
ukracer Posts: 421
edited February 2012 in Workshop
Just bought some used brakes and looking at the pads in there they have small dwarf like shavings off metal .
Is this normal wear or have they been on a knacker ?
Do I pick them out or swap pads .

Comments

  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,828
    1 or 2 little bits and I'd pick them out if the pads still have a lot of life left in them otherwise prob not worth it. You should also regularly check for pads on your own bike picking up metal fragments - I do this and lightly sand the rim surface down to eliminate any roughness or loose bits.
  • Giraffoto
    Giraffoto Posts: 2,078
    It could be a sign that they're quite an abrasive compound. I never quite took to the idea of allowing my brake blocks to machine the edges off my rims, so I'd swap them for something a bit more rim-friendly
    Specialized Roubaix Elite 2015
    XM-057 rigid 29er
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Yup, it's a lot easier and cheaper to keep replacing brake blocks than it is to keep replacing rims!
  • Yossie
    Yossie Posts: 2,600
    Sorry - just to make sure: brake blocks as in standard road rim brakes or brake pads as in disc?

    Pads it may well be the sinter (shiny things that look like metal that aren't and are there as part of the pad) - its just that the topic heading says pads but everyone is talking about blocks (ie rubber things that shouldn't have any metal in them as they are just ribber). .
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... ke-service

    Pad Wear
    Pads will wear out with use and require replacement. Pads will also harden and become ineffective with age. Pads may also become embedded with aluminum or other contaminants. Inspect and remove as necessary. Pads that are aligned too low on a rim will tend to develop a lip on the low edge. This lip makes correct alignment impossible.
    pad5.jpg
    pad8.jpg
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Chris James
    Chris James Posts: 1,040
    Picking up metal shards is quite common with some modern, abrasive blocks.

    I use koolstop which do not seem to suffer from this problem.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Our US correspondents, Park Tool included, frequently refer to brake blocks as pads. Thoroughly confusing! Pads are for disc brakes.
  • Bozman
    Bozman Posts: 2,518
    I found SwissStop green ended up full of metal and it frightened me to death, i could picture them grinding through my SLs.
  • ukracer
    ukracer Posts: 421
    sorry yes brake blocks, looks similar to above picture
  • EX DH
    EX DH Posts: 194
    Sure i read some where that is actually carbon that has imbeded it self in the block from pieces of dirt. Just pick them out with a pin, should be fine.
    The ride.
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5020204/
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  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    ukracer wrote:
    Just bought some used brakes and looking at the pads in there they have small dwarf like shavings off metal .
    Is this normal wear or have they been on a knacker ?
    Do I pick them out or swap pads .
    Those bits are called rims or they were. Use Koolstop Salmon blocks and you will not only stop this problem but you will also stop a lot better.
    My Fleet.
  • andy_wrx
    andy_wrx Posts: 3,396
    ukracer wrote:
    Just bought some used brakes and looking at the pads in there they have small dwarf like shavings off metal .

    I think you mean swarf not dwarf :lol:

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