Front Brakes

mattd · Jun 20, 2006

The last time i went riding i noticed that my front brakes sucked. The pads are pretty new i replaced them this winter. Is there a reason why they are so bad and what could i do to make them better?

storydude1 · Jun 21, 2006

Flush out the old fluid, and bleed again.
Grease Caliper slides
Check piston seals.

Bad is in not grabbing, or bad as in no lever feel?

boxhead · Jun 21, 2006

Steel braided lines really do wonders as well. Check your rotor condition as well, they might be a little too worn. The stainless wave rotors work excellently, but they eat up pads a bit quicker than normal rotors. Try SRP rotors from magic racing, the rear I got from them works excellently and it was still 40 or so less than the galfer.

mattd · Jun 21, 2006

Flush out the old fluid, and bleed again.
Grease Caliper slides
Check piston seals.

Bad is in not grabbing, or bad as in no lever feel?

They're bad as in not grabbing. I'm new to this so can you explain how to flush out the fluid and bleed the system.

Thanks for the help guys.

storydude1 · Jun 21, 2006

Remove the 2 screws on the MAster Cyl on the bars.
Remove both front tires
Find bleeder screws on calipers. Loosen them(sometimes they need some heat, or lube to break free)
Let the old fluid rush out of one side.
Add fluid to the MC to keep it full
when fluid runs clear out of the side you opened, close the bleeder, and move to other side.
Repeat.

When all old fluid is out, pump handle 3-5 times SLOWLY, then open one bleeder. Let handle come all the way to the bar. Tighten Bleeder, Release handle. Repeat 2-5 times. then repeate for other side in front.

Do not let the MC become empty, and use a sealed brake fluid bottle(selaed as in never opened yet) for the fluid. DOT3 is what you need. DOT4 will work as well, but is more $$$

Just like bleeding brakes on a car.