ineffective brakes: unused for 1.5yrs + GT85 contamination

dubcat

Hi - my Tektro Auriga Pro brakes are completely ineffective. I am pretty sure I got GT85 on them by accident. I tried changing the brake pads when I last rode (about 1.5 years ago) when I first suspected GT85 contamination and I can't remember if the situation improved or not. However they must have been better than they are now as right now the front is not working at all and the rear only kinda works and generates huge amounts of howling noise and some vibration when used.

I am going to swap out pads again.. do i need to change my rotor too or will cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol and muc off brake cleaner completely sort the rotor out?

Thanks,
Dub

nicklouse

give every thing a good clean before fitting new pads.

dubcat

Hi Nick - so basically as long as i clean the rotor properly it can not contaminate the new pads? I hope this muc off brake cleaner stuff does that properly...

The Spiderman

Clean everything and fit your new pads,then go and do some hard stops to get the discs properly hot to bed in your new pads.

I have rescued contaminated pads before by rinsing them in sopay water and then lightly sanding them,but new pads is a safer option and with properly cleaned rotors you should be fine.

dubcat

I thought the way to bed brakes in was to build up some speed and then hit the brakes hard, repeated 15-20 times. However, the guys in the shop told me this is a very bad idea and instead I should ride around with the brakes applied lightly. What do you think?

Ghostt

Dubcat wrote:

I thought the way to bed brakes in was to build up some speed and then hit the brakes hard, repeated 15-20 times. However, the guys in the shop told me this is a very bad idea and instead I should ride around with the brakes applied lightly. What do you think?

That's weird, because pretty much everyone ever will recommend the build up speed then stop hard method. Usually 20 hard stops back to back will do it. Some people recommend pouring water over the caliper/rotor after too, I've tried it but can't say I've noticed the difference. Just make sure you don't touch any part of the brake, unless you fancy a rotor print burn!

cooldad

I just fit new pads and ride normally. Works fine.

dubcat

Genius. Looked in spares bag and saw a brake pad. Cleaned up rotors. Realised I only have one set of replacement pads /sigh. Might stick the new pads on the front and try to clean the rears...

mrmonkfinger

Dubcat wrote:

I thought the way to bed brakes in was to build up some speed and then hit the brakes hard, repeated 15-20 times. However, the guys in the shop told me this is a very bad idea and instead I should ride around with the brakes applied lightly. What do you think?

I think the guys in your shop are misinformed.

Riding around with the brakes lightly applied is a great way to put a glaze on the pads, which you don't want.

15-20 hard stops will do it nicely.

dubcat

Thanks guys.. I will do the hard stop thing. Really hope this sorts my brakes out