Upgrading disc brakes.

[Billy Wizz]

Hello Everyone,i have a problem with my front disc brake on my Boardman Hybrid comp,i do my own servicing but still learning,i am an accomplished motorcycle mechanic,but the push bike is another level,i was wondering about upgrade options on this model,the front brake just isn't powerful enough,do these brakes come with bargain basement pads ? Can you buy top notch pads and if so which ones.The back one is brilliant so the difference with the two baffles me, When i really pull hard on the front it also feels like the bearings are loose in the steering head,sorry about the motorcycle terms,it also squeals,i am going to have a fiddle with it this afternoon but i would appreciate any advice.
Cheers...BW.

 

[raleighnut]

Hello Everyone,i have a problem with my front disc brake on my Boardman Hybrid comp,i do my own servicing but still learning,i am an accomplished motorcycle mechanic,but the push bike is another level,i was wondering about upgrade options on this model,the front brake just isn't powerful enough,do these brakes come with bargain basement pads ? Can you buy top notch pads and if so which ones.The back one is brilliant so the difference with the two baffles me, When i really pull hard on the front it also feels like the bearings are loose in the steering head,sorry about the motorcycle terms,it also squeals,i am going to have a fiddle with it this afternoon but i would appreciate any advice.
Cheers...BW.

Sounds like the pads have glazed clean/replace as needed and the steering head bearings are very similar to m/cycle ones and adjust pretty much the same way.

 

[I like Skol]

Sounds like contaminated front pads, although due to weight distribution when braking it is always easier to lock up the rear wheel than the front. I suggest you try swapping the pads front and back (after cleaning the discs with a proprietary additive free brake cleaner) and see if the rubbish braking follows the pads to the back of the bike. You might needs to ride a reasonable distance for the pads to bed into the swapped disc to get the maximum effect. If the pads do prove to be the culprit then get some replacements. My own experience leads me to recommend the sintered/metallic variety.

You can also try to reface your existing pads by rubbing them on some fine wet&dry that has been laid on a flat surface but if they are contaminated with anything oil based then they really should go in the bin.

 

[NormanD]

If you need new pads ...I recommend you try HERE

 

[tincaman]

It is also possible that the headset beatings are loose too, that needs to be checked

 

[Billy Wizz]

[QUOTE 3046572, member: 45"]What brakes are they?[/QUOTE]
Avid is on the handle,i cant see anything on the caliper,man i feel like an amateur..?

 

[Billy Wizz]

It is also possible that the headset beatings are loose too, that needs to be checked

Checked..ok..thanks.

 

[Billy Wizz]

[QUOTE 3047053, member: 45"]Are they cable or hydraulic? At the caliper do they have a red dial on one side or both?[/QUOTE]
Cable,yes i have been messing with the red dial.the red dial is on the inside of the caliper.??

 

[NormanD]

Avid BB5 by the sounds of it .. easy to Adjust

 

[Billy Wizz]

Avid BB5 by the sounds of it .. easy to Adjust

Thanks NormanD,spot on,moving in the right direction,.....Sometimes i feel like a dickhead,i have made some great tools to get on with the job,getting your fingers between the spokes to turn a red dial...lol....

 

[NormanD]

Ah don't feel like that @Billy Wizz .. I had to learn to adjust them myself as I have them fitted to my Boardman CX .. we all start somewhere ... If you don't ask, you don't get

 

[Billy Wizz]

Ah don't feel like that @Billy Wizz .. I had to learn to adjust them myself as I have them fitted to my Boardman CX .. we all start somewhere ... If you don't ask, you don't get

Thanks NormanD...

 

[Billy Wizz]

I went out this morning after minor adjustments,the out run i didn't need much breaking,a stiff breeze,but coming back i was still not happy so i have just finished a sand down on the pads,there does not seem to be any contamination on the pads,i was thinking my love of 3 in 1 oil may have migrated to the pads,see what tomorrow brings.

 

[NormanD]

scour the disc's too .. I normally remove them from the wheel and scour them with P80 wet n dry sand paper on a flat surface (both sides of the discs) this removes the polished surface of the disc, that's after they've had a good wash first to remove any contaminants with brake cleaner (Motor factors sell this) .. takes about half an hour to do both front and back disc.

 

[Globalti]

Put the pads in the dishwasher. Nothing is hotter or more caustic for degreasing.