Disc Brake Questions

[Downward]

What is the best substance to use for cleaning the Discs ?

Also I bled my Hydraulic Shimano brakes the weekend and after todays commute the brake lever feels spongy again.

Is this a sign of air in the system again or that my pads are low ? I bought some new pads but didn't fit them.

 

[rusty bearing]

Cleaning rotors etc, Isopropyl alcohol. Doesn't leave a residue.
To my mind Shimano's with the odd exception do have a spongy feel. If you operate the lever a number of times and the brake becomes firmer then yes you still have air in the system.
Generally think about changeing your pads when they are below 3mm thick including backing plate,.

 

[Pauluk]

Don't be tempted to use surgical spirit from the chemist as this often contains additives like castor oils etc. Buy pure Isopropyl alcohol as rusty bearing says or you can use Halfords disc brake cleaner. They both work well and leave no residue. You may loose some braking power (some people have experienced this) the first few times using your brakes after cleaning but it should soon return to normal if you do.

 

[Downward]

Well I used babywipes, bled the system replaced the pads (Well I would but the shop sent me avid juciy pads not shimano's which cost 3 x as much) !
Had to re-order some mineral oil though as I spilt some so had to reuse fluid in the bag as I didn't have enough to bleed the fronts !

 

[rusty bearing]

Had to re-order some mineral oil though as I spilt some so had to reuse fluid in the bag as I didn't have enough to bleed the fronts !

Are you bleeding from the calliper to the lever end then? Always seems the messy way to do things and if you used some of the expelled fluid it will have small air bubbles in it. Never reuse old fluid....

Don't forget to push the pistons back before you bleed and install new pads either....

 

[Downward]

No from the Resevoir.

Brakes were good last night but when I came to ride today the brakes were crap. I have ordered some new pads for the front too so will replace both front and rear. It's a pretty easy job so no hassle.
Also bought some more Mineral oil so will reflush them now I have got the hang of what to do.
The pads the company sent are 3 times as expensive as the ones I need but I didn't find out until I contacted them.

 

[rusty bearing]

Ah, the normal way then. Classic sign of air in the system when you can pump brakes up. EBC pads are good and not pricey. Bet you won't be buying from that company again!

 

[Downward]

Nah I have just had a reply to them -

"Buy the other set you need and we will send you 2 sets for the price of 1 and keep the ones we sent (see Classifieds !)

 

[rusty bearing]

Not a bad result then

 

[Downward]

Pads came yesterday, Fitted them today in about 10 mins including a good clean of the calipers and the crap inside.

All in all a good DIY job which now I can do easily if and when I have to again.