Disc brake maintenance?

[MattDB]

I've gone from a road bike to a mountain bike. I'm on an entry level machine but loving it, particularly loving the disc brakes and their performance in wet weather.

With my road bike it was a simple matter of cleaning the wheel rims and then using a cloth to make sure there wasn't any grit stuck in the pads and (carefully) putting a drop of oil on the moving parts.

I've been told that I need to keep disc brakes clean to avoid problems (and squeaking) but just wondering what people do to maintain theirs?

 

[dodgy]

Soap and water and from time give the discs a vigorous rub with a clean cloth with some IPA (Isopropy Alcohol).

 

[outlash]

Nothing, the discs get clean when the bike does.

 

[MichaelW2]

Avoid contamination, esp with spray-on lube.

 

[MattDB]

what about the pads themselves?

 

[drummerbod]

Nothing to do apart from changing oil\bleeding.

Just rinse with water the whole rotor assembly when back from a muddy ride.

 

[lpretro1]

Bleeding should only need to be done when there is air in the system not as routine maintenance - or in the case of a brake system with DOT fluid in it every 2-3 years. Ham-fisted or incorrect bleeding causes more problems than it cures (see many old posts on this forum!).

 

[MichaelW2]

what about the pads themselves?

A initial bedding in, then just keep an eye on thickness.
I use Superstar pads, cheap and good.