Do your bike disc brakes seem to be on the fritz
You’re not alone.
Disc brakes are a popular choice for cyclists of all levels, but they can be tricky to maintain. If your disc brakes aren’t working properly, it can be a major pain.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common causes of disc brake problems and how to fix them.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and repair your disc brakes like a pro.
Most Common Reasons: Bike Disc Brakes Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Bike Disc Brakes Not Working
Insufficient Brake Pad Contact
Brake pads are worn out or incorrectly installed.
Brake rotor is warped or damaged.
Brake caliper is not aligned properly.
Air in the Brake System
Air can enter the brake system through a faulty seal or bleed port.
Air can also be introduced when bleeding the brakes.
Insufficient Brake Fluid
The brake fluid reservoir may be low or empty.
The brake fluid may be contaminated or old.
Brake Levers Not Adjusted Properly
The brake levers may be too close to the handlebars or too far away.
The brake levers may be too stiff or too easy to pull.
Brakes Over- or Under-Engaged
The brakes may be engaged too much or not enough.
The brakes may be dragging or sticking.
How to Troubleshoot: Bike Disc Brakes Not Working
Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your bike disc brakes are not working properly. These include:
The brakes feel spongy or unresponsive when you apply pressure to the levers.
The brakes make a squealing or grinding noise when you apply pressure to the levers.
The brakes lock up when you apply pressure to the levers.
The brakes cause your bike to wobble or veer to one side when you apply pressure to the levers.
Causes
There are a number of different things that can cause your bike disc brakes to not work properly. These include:
Dirty or contaminated brake pads:
Brake pads that are dirty or contaminated with brake fluid or road grime can cause the brakes to feel spongy or unresponsive.
Worn-out brake pads:
Brake pads that are worn out will not be able to generate enough friction to stop your bike effectively.
Incorrectly adjusted brake calipers:
Brake calipers that are not adjusted properly can cause the brakes to drag or to lock up.
Bent or damaged brake rotors:
Brake rotors that are bent or damaged can cause the brakes to make a squealing or grinding noise and can also reduce their braking effectiveness.
Troubleshooting
If your bike disc brakes are not working properly, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
1. Inspect the brake pads:
Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, grooves, or excessive heat discoloration. If the brake pads are worn out, they will need to be replaced.
2. Check the brake fluid level:
The brake fluid reservoir should be at least half full. If the brake fluid level is low, you will need to add more brake fluid.3. Inspect the brake calipers:
Make sure that the brake calipers are properly installed and that the brake pads are aligned correctly. If the brake calipers are not installed properly, they will need to be adjusted.
4. Inspect the brake rotors:
Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, gouges, or deep scratches. If the brake rotors are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
How to Fix: Bike Disc Brakes Not Working
Once you have diagnosed the problem with your bike disc brakes, you can fix it by following these steps:
1. Replace the brake pads:
If the brake pads are worn out, you will need to remove the old pads and install new ones.
2. Add brake fluid:
If the brake fluid level is low, you will need to add more brake fluid to the reservoir.3. Adjust the brake calipers:
If the brake calipers are not adjusted properly, you will need to adjust them so that the brake pads are aligned correctly.
4. Replace the brake rotors:
If the brake rotors are damaged, you will need to replace them.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and fix bike disc brakes that are not working properly. If you are not comfortable working on your bike’s brakes, you can take it to a qualified bicycle mechanic for repairs.
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