brake servicing

P34RC3

Hey all

Brought a 2nd hand carrera kraken today. The gears were playing up but now they are sorted. Im just left with terrible brakes. The guy I got the bike from said he had changed the oil recently but they just don't seem to work well at all. The bike has covered 580miles and itsva 2010/11 model. Could it just be pads or should I start with the fluid?

Chunkers1980

You should start with some more info. What are they and how do they not work?

coulddobetter

Looks as though they are Clarks sx. 3 part you tube clips if you Google search.

The Rookie

Indeed, do the levers feel right but you have no braking, or do the levers feel mushy and pull back to the bars.

cooldad

Hope he actually changed the brake fluid and didn't use oil.

P34RC3

They have alot of travel in the leavers and its almost impossible to even lock them up. They are not like the last bike I rode with hydraulic brakes. Are they not usually lethal? Ill check what brakes they are. I haven't a clue how many parts they have tho.

P34RC3

Tektro auriga comp and also says mineral oil on them

bluechair84

If they pull all the way back to the bars, it might be a case of bubbles - drain the system and start afresh incase he used the wrong oil type and have them properly bled. This usually solves most issues.

cooldad

Tektro are mineral oil. Sounds like he did a rubbish job. Bleed or replace the fluid, and check the pads.

P34RC3

Can I get the fluid from halfords? Also do you need a special bleeding kit like you do on a car?

cooldad

Yes and yes. Any mineral oil will do - Shimano use it so that would be a safe bet.
Epic bleed kits are good and cheap - see if they have one.