Aventon 350 brake pulsing

[HKG123]

I bought a new Aventon 350 from a local dealer and I love it, but the brakes have pulsed since the day I took delivery. I've complained about it to the dealer and he refuses to fix the problem claiming that all disc brakes pulse. He tried cleaning them but they still pulse. Besides being annoying, I think they are slightly unsafe since I feel like I'm being bumped off balance when stopping. Thoughts?

 

[CXRAndy]

I bought a new Aventon 350 from a local dealer and I love it, but the brakes have pulsed since the day I took delivery. I've complained about it to the dealer and he refuses to fix the problem claiming that all disc brakes pulse. He tried cleaning them but they still pulse. Besides being annoying, I think they are slightly unsafe since I feel like I'm being bumped off balance when stopping. Thoughts?

Is it both or single brake?

Simple checks spin wheel and check rotor doesn't have a bend or wave.

Check there is equal gap on each pad. adjust caliper or pad position to align gaps so pads contact rotor simultaneously.

I see they are mechanical brakes not hydraulic.

A badly warped rotor might cause pulsing, but ive ridden bikes with misalignment brakes and they rarely pulse- maybe sound a bit odd but not pulsing.

 

[Cycleops]

It can only be the rotor or the pads, which might have been contaminated. It's unusual if both brakes do it. As suggested check them for run out and get in real close and check the pads are griping simultaneously. If oil has got onto the pads you'll have to replace them but rotors can be cleaned.
Worse case scenario you could change them out with better quality callipers, shouldn't be too expensive. Budget bikes don't have the best brakes.

 

[raleighnut]

Sounds like contamination on the Rotor to me, take em off and sand em.

 

[HKG123]

Is it both or single brake?

Simple checks spin wheel and check rotor doesn't have a bend or wave.

Check there is equal gap on each pad. adjust caliper or pad position to align gaps so pads contact rotor simultaneously.

I see they are mechanical brakes not hydraulic.

A badly warped rotor might cause pulsing, but ive ridden bikes with misalignment brakes and they rarely pulse- maybe sound a bit odd but not pulsing.

It's just the back brake that's pulsing. I've looked for warp and don't see any. Thanks for the advice.

 

[HKG123]

Sounds like contamination on the Rotor to me, take em off and sand em.

Thanks. I'll give that a shot. I assume a fine grit sandpaper is best.

 

[HKG123]

It can only be the rotor or the pads, which might have been contaminated. It's unusual if both brakes do it. As suggested check them for run out and get in real close and check the pads are griping simultaneously. If oil has got onto the pads you'll have to replace them but rotors can be cleaned.
Worse case scenario you could change them out with better quality callipers, shouldn't be too expensive. Budget bikes don't have the best brakes.

Thanks. I might swap the callipers for better ones, as you suggest. Don't mind paying a bit for a smooth stop.

 

[raleighnut]

Thanks. I'll give that a shot. I assume a fine grit sandpaper is best.

I'd use wet 'n' dry or Aluminium oxide (garnet) paper 400>800 grit should be fine.