Braking issues

[Ollie W]

My Boardman CX Comp brakes have suddenly stopped being particularly effective. I've lost the bite in them that I used to get when I engaged the lever and they especially don't seem to like coming to a stop - at the last few miles an hour the front brake especially starts screeching. The only things I did before this happened were lubing the chain and removing/replacing the front wheel because I'm getting a load of vibration in the front wheel too whenever I'm on any road that's slightly less than perfectly smooth. Has anyone got any ideas as to how I can fix this? I don't think the brakes have failed, they're only six months old, but I think I've done something stupid haven't I

 

[ianrauk]

Tektro disc brakes right.
As you brake the pads wear, so you need to adjust and tighten them.

 

[raleighnut]

And clean/deglaze the pads too.

 

[Globalti]

If the brake makes a horrible squawk and judders as the bike rolls to a stop, the pads and disc are contaminated with oil. Put the pads in the dishwasher and clean the disc with alcohol, or glass cleaner or hot water with detergent.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

If the brake makes a horrible squawk and judders as the bike rolls to a stop, the pads and disc are contaminated with oil. Put the pads in the dishwasher and clean the disc with alcohol, or glass cleaner or hot water with detergent.

my dishwasher is human. he may object and I am not that certain they will come out any cleaner!

screeching and vibration on mine disc pads turned out to be a number of issues... firstly one of the callipers was not working properly - that needed a touch of tlc and some tactful persuasion but it was returned to life... secondly they needed to be recentered... loosen off the 2 nuts holding the calliper unit onto the forks, apply the brakes several times then hold the brake on, and re-tightened the calliper nuts... I needed a couple of attempts at this sadly... but don't do any of this until you have checked that your pads are OK and not worn down - useful check because you can see if they are wearing unevenly....

 

[Ollie W]

Ta all. I assume I can wash the pads by hand too? Will give it all a go this afternoon.