Stupid question #1 brake pads....

Clockworkmark31
Clockworkmark31 Posts: 1,053
edited October 2014 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi all,

Might be a really obvious question and answer, but when do you look at replacing pads?

Reason I am asking, have the Shimano XT M785s and the bite has gone from them.

They don't feel spongy, so ruling out bleeding. No leaks, caliper is aligned perfect, rotor is good. No contamination on pads or rotor. Pistons return normal, pads have plenty of life in them even though I have had them for a year.

So everything is normal, accept no bite when I grab them just a gradual slowdown. Can only put it down to the pads, but is it normal for them to loose initial bite with life still in them?

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    If you've glazed them yes, otherwise they should be fine until you hit bare metal.
    Not that that's a good idea.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Clockworkmark31
    Clockworkmark31 Posts: 1,053
    Not knowing exactly how glazed pads look, I've just whipped them off and here they are.

    DSC_0018_zps9c1053e4.jpg

    DSC_0016_zpsdb6b8b81.jpg
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Can't see the edges, but from where I'm sitting they look finished.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cube1961
    cube1961 Posts: 76
    Is it possible to remove the pads without taking the wheel off ? The reason I ask is that I've never done it yet
  • Clockworkmark31
    Clockworkmark31 Posts: 1,053
    Really easy to remove the pads, just remove the retaining clip and then slide the locking pin out and pull the pads upwards.

    Easy for me as currently my RS rebas are stripped for service.

    Not sure about the edges you meant cooldad, but see below. Think they are done, but the life left in them is loads, shocking really.

    DSC_0022_zps4bf7042f.jpg

    DSC_0027_zps3813c1c0.jpg

    DSC_0030_zpsa4a865b2.jpg
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    Think cooldad is referring to them looking glazed, are they sintered or organic, do they have a shine to them when near a light source? Look glazed tbh.
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    They look glazed, the edges flaking is also a common sign of glazing and also they don't look worn square (not totally clear) in which case the calliper needs aligning properly.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Clockworkmark31
    Clockworkmark31 Posts: 1,053
    Thanks guys, learned something new at the same time too.

    Oh well new pads ordered, so will wait for them to turn up. But this is getting delivered tomorrow :twisted:

    2015_Giant_Talon_275_0_zps051d8032.jpg

    So will have something to play on.

    Without starting a new thread, does anyone have info on the forks Fox Float EVO CTD fork with 100mm travel, can't find the model on SRAMs site for user and service manual.
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    try giving them a going over with some wet n dry 120 grit sand paper they might come back to life unless the glazing is really bad.

    The stock pads aren't the best anyway could be an excuse to upgrade to some better pads from uberbike or superstar.
  • grenw
    grenw Posts: 803
    Clockworkmark31 wrote:
    Without starting a new thread, does anyone have info on the forks Fox Float EVO CTD fork with 100mm travel, can't find the model on SRAMs site for user and service manual.

    That's cos SRAM don't make them. Fox do.

    Try this : http://service.foxracingshox.com/consumers/index.htm or http://www.ridefox.com/product.php?m=bi ... ref=filter

    They are the basic open bath forks. Nice and easy to service
  • FishFish
    FishFish Posts: 2,152
    Clockworkmark31 wrote:
    Not knowing exactly how glazed pads look, I've just whipped them off and here they are.

    DSC_0018_zps9c1053e4.jpg

    DSC_0016_zpsdb6b8b81.jpg

    You should comb your hair before appearing in a photo, Mark.
    ...take your pickelf on your holibobs.... :D

    jeez :roll:
  • Clockworkmark31
    Clockworkmark31 Posts: 1,053
    Where do I appear?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I think the assumption is as a shadow in the bottom right corner....
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    They look glazed to me. Do you drag your brakes? If you do, that will glaze pads in no time.
    You won't need a manual for those forks, theres bugger all to adjust.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235

Categories