Mmmm…give us a brake!
Posted on | October 11, 2009 | No Comments
Yes, an interesting li’l ole job came in yesterday (Sat). A very expensive Scott (USA) bike with brakes that were – well, useless.
Left-hand (back) brake lever did not pull and right-hand (front) pulled right in yet had no effect on front wheel!
So the back was checked-out first. The caliper would not adjust (jammed-up) so it was taken off and the (worn) pads removed. Then a squirt of GT85 eased it all up and the back adjuster finally moved. The back inner cable was virtually jammed so that was dragged from the outer and a new – well-oiled – inner was slid (quite easily) through to the back caliper, which was replaced. The cable end was attached to the caliper – with the arm held against the spring, and the lock-nut tightened. The back-adjuster was screwed in – literally as far as it would go – and voila – there was braking resistance! The bike was over 5 years old so new pads may be a slight probo but customer will check-out getting a new set from Scott dealer – then I’ll fit ‘em.
Front brake just needed a cable to arm adjustment in order to give good braking resistance at the disc and the bike is now much safer and ok to ride until new pads are supplied.
Disc calipers always respond well to a bit of simple servicing – but always take pads out before applying any kind of easing or lubricating oil to the mechanisms. Adjust the back pad first, then pull the front one in and lock it by tightening the cable. Lever and caliper adjusters should be set in when pulling the cable tight as you tighten the locknut.
Bike disc set-ups are just like a car’s – except some are cable operated and the whole thing is small-scale. So keep pads oil and grease-free – don’t even touch the brake pad surface if at all possible.
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