Replacement rear brake for Voodoo Bantu?

stevekav1

Hi guys,

I need to replace the back disc brake on my Voodoo Bantu. I'm not very conversant with the techy stuff for my bike, so can't really explain whats broken with it. I've had it fixed a couple of times now, by a shop that I trust, so I know its not their incompetence. The guy told me if the problem persisted, it would just be a better idea to swap it out. So now, there's no bite on the back again, so going to have it replaced.

Currently it is a Shimano BR-M445. Same brake as the front, which has been flawless, so I'm happy to just replace for the same. Problem is, I'm having trouble sourcing it. Anybody know where I can get one? Or, any suggestions for a replacement? I'm on a budget so no super-high-end stuff!

Thanks!

Steve

cooldad

What's wrong with it?

stevekav1

cooldad wrote:

What's wrong with it?

Basically, the biting point of the brake is when I have pulled the brake lever almost completely in. This is the third time it has done this. First time, the brake completely locked up an when it came loose, no pressure in it. Second time, same, but no lock-up. Third time, same. Happened after nothing vigorous.

cooldad

And what are they doing/have they done to 'fix' it?

stevekav1

cooldad wrote:

And what are they doing/have they done to 'fix' it?

Well, like I said, I'm not very techy. But they bled it through, took it apart, cleaned it and put it back together. Probably more, but to be honest I don't know. If I knew more about it I would probably get stuck in myself but I just can't afford the time to start doing this stuff myself. The guys at this shop came recommended to me by more than one MTBer that know their stuff. They were very up front about what they did, and very reasonable, and I definitely don't feel like I've been shafted.

rockmonkeysc

How old is it? It may be still under warranty but it sounds like they aren't being bled properly. There could be air bubbles trapped in the calliper.

john2002

shimano deore is always suggested as best value for money..
Deore M596 £36 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/gr/e ... -prod67246
Deore M615 £43 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... prod108802

I recently changed my front brake to deore m596, (from M445 i think it was) its a good brake. they say they was pre bleed but mine was a bit spongy so i bleed them again.. also the leavers are different (its not a problem but some people might not like to have them different)

I think the M615 is the newer version of the 596, Not sure what the differance is in them.

stevekav1

RockmonkeySC wrote:

How old is it? It may be still under warranty but it sounds like they aren't being bled properly. There could be air bubbles trapped in the calliper.

I think the bike is now out of warranty, had it over a year now. If they weren't bled properly, I'd have noticed straight away though. (wouldn't I?) The brake worked fine for a couple of weeks after last service and then just went. I could feel it happen as I applied the brake.

stevekav1

john2002 wrote:

shimano deore is always suggested as best value for money..
Deore M596 £36 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/gr/e ... -prod67246
Deore M615 £43 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... prod108802

I recently changed my front brake to deore m596, (from M445 i think it was) its a good brake. they say they was pre bleed but mine was a bit spongy so i bleed them again.. also the leavers are different (its not a problem but some people might not like to have them different)

I think the M615 is the newer version of the 596, Not sure what the differance is in them.

Thanks John, I'll take a look at those.

The Rookie

Unless it is leaking it shouldn't need constant fiddling....

Issue could e bleeding or the reach adjust, or even centring of the caliper.