Newbie with brake problems

Darren.moore
Darren.moore Posts: 3
in MTB beginners
Hi, my son and I are intending to start mountain biking this year, his bike is pretty much ready but mine has required a little work. I bought a used Cannondale trail 3 a few months ago, got it for a bargain and gradually sorting bits out which so far has gone well. Now on to the problem, the brakes, they were bad when I bought it but figured a bleed and good clean etc would sort them but it hasn't. Bled both today (shimano) cleaned pads disc thoroughly but with very little improvement. Compared to my son's which bite really well mine just don't seem to have any bite, they work but I can hold either brake on and still able to move the wheel by pushing the bike. Just hoping someone on here has some ideas what to do next?

Comments

  • Darren.moore
    Darren.moore Posts: 3
    Thanks. I used mucoff on the bike when I first got it. But after bleeding today I thoroughly cleaned discs and pads with brake cleaner, even gave the pads a rub over some fine sandpaper.
    Brakes seem to function as they should, pistons move freely etc. I was just expecting excellent brakes after riding my son's bike, as his is the first hydraulic brake bike I've been on and they are very good. My old bikes rim brakes were better!!!!
  • JBA
    JBA Posts: 2,852
    edited January 2020
    If the pads were heavily contaminated you will struggle to clean them. Best bet is to throw the pads away and fit new ones. Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and make sure you bed the new pads in properly.

    I have been using Muc-Off bike cleaner for years and it has never had a detrimental effect on my brakes.
    “Life has been unfaithful
    And it all promised so so much”

    Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Sonder Broken Road 2021¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Toughtroad SLR 1 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
  • lesfirth
    lesfirth Posts: 1,382
    JBA said:

    If the pads were heavily contaminated you will struggle to clean them. Best bet is to throw the pads away and fit new ones. Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and make sure you bed the new pads in properly.

    .

    As above.
    Giving the discs a rub with some wet or dry paper is a good idea.

  • Darren.moore
    Darren.moore Posts: 3
    Thanks for the advice, new set of pads then and clean the disc again.👍
  • billycool
    billycool Posts: 833
    It could be that your brakes are just a bit tired (knackered).

    Plan B is get some other brakes. Even entry level Shimano hydraulic brakes work pretty well and aren't that expensive.

    Not much fun riding a bike with rubbish brakes.

    "Ride, crash, replace"
  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,453
    When you have cleaned it all up and fitted the new pads, you MUST bed them in or you will find yourself no further forward in your search for good braking.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWQxGzHQZVU

    All my 12-year old grandson wanted to do with his new bike at Xmas was to get out and ride, but I made him (forced him more like!) spend time bedding in the brakes ("Awwwww grandad!").
    He told me that he could feel them getting better every time he braked. He later had the grace to admit that the time was well spent. :)
  • leecool
    leecool Posts: 3
    Hi I agree with all of the above, but if it's been standing the pistons could have corroded a little or the seals could be dried up & tight. Also what is the condition on the brake lines is any air getting in.
    Just a thought as it happened to me before.
  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,453
    Do they get any better if you pump the levers. They will fade again when you stop pumping. Sure sign of air in the system.

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