Hydraulic bike brakes are a marvel of engineering, providing powerful stopping power with a smooth, easy-to-modulate feel. But when they don’t work properly, it can be a major headache.
If your hydraulic bike brakes are not working, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of issues.
In this troubleshooting guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem so you can get back to riding your bike safely and in control.
We’ll start by discussing the basics of hydraulic bike brakes, then we’ll move on to the specific steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to get your hydraulic bike brakes working like new again.
Why Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
There are a few reasons why hydraulic bike brakes might not be working properly.
Air in the system
The most common cause of hydraulic brake failure is air in the system. This can happen if the brake lines are not properly bled, or if there is a leak in the system. Air in the system can cause the brakes to feel spongy or unresponsive, and they may not work at all.
Dirty or contaminated fluid
Another common cause of hydraulic brake failure is dirty or contaminated brake fluid. Brake fluid can become contaminated over time with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can cause the fluid to become thick and sluggish, and it can also lead to corrosion of the brake components.
Bleeding problems
If the brake lines are not properly bled, air can enter the system and cause the brakes to malfunction. Bleeding the brakes is a necessary step in the installation of new brake pads or rotors, and it should also be done periodically to maintain the performance of the brakes.
Leaks
A leak in the hydraulic brake system can cause the brakes to lose fluid and become ineffective. Leaks can occur at the seals around the pistons, at the connection points between the brake lines and the calipers, or at the master cylinder.
Damaged or worn components
The brake pads, rotors, and calipers are all subject to wear and tear. If these components are damaged or worn, they can cause the brakes to malfunction.
Incorrect adjustment
The brakes may not be working properly if they are not adjusted correctly. The brake pads should be properly aligned with the rotors, and the brake lever should have the correct amount of free play.
Other factors
There are a number of other factors that can cause hydraulic bike brakes to malfunction. These include:
Extreme temperatures:
Hydraulic brake fluid can become thick and sluggish in cold weather, and it can boil and vaporize in hot weather.
Incorrect maintenance:
Hydraulic brakes require regular maintenance to keep them working properly. This includes bleeding the brakes, replacing the brake fluid, and inspecting the brake components for wear and damage.
Improper use:
Hydraulic brakes can be damaged if they are used incorrectly. This includes applying the brakes too hard or too often, and riding the brakes downhill.
How to Troubleshoot: Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
Symptoms of Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your hydraulic bike brakes are not working properly. These include:
The brakes feel spongy or soft when you apply them:
This is a sign that the brake fluid is not flowing properly through the system.
The brakes make a squealing or grinding noise when you apply them:
This is usually caused by a buildup of dirt or debris in the brake pads or rotors.
The brakes don’t stop the bike as quickly as they used to:
This could be a sign that the brake pads are worn out or that the brake fluid level is low.
How to Troubleshoot Hydraulic Bike Brakes
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible to avoid a serious accident. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot your hydraulic bike brakes:
1. Check the brake fluid level:
The first thing you should do is check the brake fluid level. To do this, locate the brake fluid reservoir on your bike and remove the cap. The brake fluid level should be between the min and max marks on the reservoir. If the brake fluid level is low, you’ll need to add more brake fluid.
2. Inspect the brake pads and rotors:
Next, you’ll need to inspect the brake pads and rotors for signs of wear and tear. To do this, remove the wheels from your bike and inspect the brake pads. The brake pads should be at least 2mm thick. If the brake pads are worn down to less than 2mm, you’ll need to replace them. You should also inspect the brake rotors for any signs of damage. If the brake rotors are warped or scored, you’ll need to have them replaced.3. Bleed the brakes:
If the brake fluid level is correct and the brake pads and rotors are in good condition, the next step is to bleed the brakes. Bleeding the brakes removes any air bubbles that may have accumulated in the brake system, which can cause the brakes to feel spongy or soft. To bleed the brakes, you’ll need a bleed kit and a friend to help you.
How to Fix Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
Once you’ve troubleshooted the problem, you can fix your hydraulic bike brakes. Here are the steps involved in fixing hydraulic bike brakes:
1. Add brake fluid:
If the brake fluid level is low, you’ll need to add more brake fluid. To do this, locate the brake fluid reservoir on your bike and remove the cap. Add brake fluid to the reservoir until the level is between the min and max marks.
2. Replace the brake pads:
If the brake pads are worn down to less than 2mm, you’ll need to replace them. To do this, remove the wheels from your bike and remove the old brake pads. Install the new brake pads and torque the bolts to the specified torque.3. Bleed the brakes:
After replacing the brake pads, you’ll need to bleed the brakes. To do this, you’ll need a bleed kit and a friend to help you.
Preventing Hydraulic Bike Brakes from Failing
You can help prevent your hydraulic bike brakes from failing by following these tips:
Inspect your brakes regularly:
Check the brake fluid level and inspect the brake pads and rotors for signs of wear and tear.
Bleed your brakes regularly:
Bleeding your brakes removes any air bubbles that may have accumulated in the brake system.
Don’t over-tighten the brake calipers:
Over-tightening the brake calipers can damage the seals and cause the brakes to leak.
Don’t ride your bike through deep water:
Riding your bike through deep water can contaminate the brake fluid and cause the brakes to fail.
By following these tips, you can help keep your hydraulic bike brakes in good working order and prevent them from failing.
FAQs: Hydraulic Bike Brakes Not Working
Why aren’t my hydraulic bike brakes working?
There are a few possible reasons why your hydraulic bike brakes may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
Insufficient brake fluid: If the brake fluid level is too low, the brakes will not be able to generate enough pressure to stop the bike. To check the brake fluid level, look at the reservoir on the brake caliper. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark, you will need to add more brake fluid.
Air in the brake lines: Air in the brake lines can also cause the brakes to not work properly. Air can get into the brake lines if the brake hoses are not properly installed or if there is a leak in the system. To bleed the brakes, you will need to remove the air from the brake lines.
Corrosion or damage to the brake components: Corrosion or damage to the brake pads, rotors, or pistons can also cause the brakes to not work properly. If you suspect that the brake components are damaged, you will need to have them replaced.
Incorrect brake adjustment: The brakes may also not be working properly if they are not adjusted correctly. If the brakes are too tight, they will be difficult to apply and may cause the wheels to lock up. If the brakes are too loose, they will not be able to generate enough stopping power.
How do I fix hydraulic bike brakes that are not working?
Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can fix the brakes by following these steps:
Add brake fluid: If the brake fluid level is too low, simply add more brake fluid to the reservoir on the brake caliper.
Bleed the brakes: If there is air in the brake lines, you will need to bleed the brakes to remove the air.
Replace damaged or corroded brake components: If the brake pads, rotors, or pistons are damaged, you will need to have them replaced.
Adjust the brakes: If the brakes are not adjusted correctly, you will need to adjust them to ensure that they are working properly.
How can I prevent hydraulic bike brakes from not working?
There are a few things you can do to prevent hydraulic bike brakes from not working:
Check the brake fluid level regularly: Make sure that the brake fluid level is always above the minimum mark.
Bleed the brakes regularly: Bleed the brakes every few months to remove any air that may have accumulated in the system.
Inspect the brake components regularly: Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and pistons for signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged components as soon as possible.
Adjust the brakes regularly: Make sure that the brakes are adjusted correctly to ensure that they are working properly.
What should I do if my hydraulic bike brakes fail while I’m riding?
If your hydraulic bike brakes fail while you’re riding, you should do the following:
Apply the brakes gently and gradually: Applying the brakes too hard or suddenly can cause the wheels to lock up and you to lose control of the bike.
Shift your weight back and down: Shifting your weight back and down will help to stabilize the bike and prevent it from tipping over.
Pull the brake lever all the way in: Pulling the brake lever all the way in will apply the maximum amount of braking force.
Come to a complete stop in a safe location: Once you have come to a complete stop, you can inspect the brakes and determine what caused them to fail.
Where can I get help with hydraulic bike brakes?
If you need help with hydraulic bike brakes, you can contact a local bike shop or a bike mechanic. They will be able to help you diagnose the problem and fix the brakes.
Must Read THIS: Hydraulic Mountain Bike Brakes Not Working
