Changing brake pads

billyhead

So the front pads on my disk brake bike are worn in that the front wheel doesn't stop efficiently. The back brake has a lot more stopping power. Is it advisable to change both front and back at the same time or would I get away with changing the front only and get more life out of the back pads?

cletus

I'd just change to front. Are you sure it's the pads?

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119300826#Comment_119300826

Not sure what else it could be?

magicbastarder

it could be contamination if it's just stopping power you're using to diagnose it - but it should be relatively easy to see how much meat there is on the pads?

cletus

What magicbastarder said.

Other issues it might be

Is it cable or hydraulic? If it's cable, check for excess movement at the brake lever, cable might need to be adjusted. If it's hydraulic it may need to be bled.

However, the first and easiest thing to check is the brake pads

billyhead

Cheers folks. Its mechanical.

magicbastarder

can you see the pads?

billyhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119301217#Comment_119301217

I'll have a look tomorrow to see if there worn. If not you reckon it could be contamination?

magicbastarder

could be contamination, or depending on how the brakes are set up, possibly just needs tension adjusted on the cable.

CramCycle

More than likely the pads if it's very significant and there are no other issues. Change them, from the guy who didn't and took a flyer through a rear window because of it.

Elvis Hammond

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119301113#Comment_119301113

These need to be adjusted at the caliper to account for pad wear. If this isn't done, lever travel will be excessive well before the pads are completely worn. I think Park Tools have a video showing how the different types are adjusted. (I have the kind with single moving piston, adjusted by moving the caliper body, & fixed 'piston' which can be screwed in or out.)

CJhaughey

Worth trying to clean the disc as well before changing pads.

Brake cleaner spray and a clean scotchbrite will remove a lot of contaminants. Some like oil might need several attempts.

Basically keep cleaning until a paper towel wiped over with brake cleaner comes away clean.

Pads can be sprayed as well.