My brakes go dull after a few weeks - How do I fix this?

[dirtjumps]

Hi all, I'm new to this, basically, I've got a dirt jumper bike (I think that's what they're called, front suspension, solid rear) and it has a disc brake on the front, v brake on the back, I've tried wiping the pads and wheel rim on the rear, and the disc on the front but no matter what, my brakes go really dull and I can't get them sharp again, any help would be much appreciated thanks
- Steve

 

[Pauluk]

Hi Steve, what did you wipe the pads and rim/disc with?

 

[derrick]

WD40.

 

[Pauluk]

are you joking

 

[dirtjumps]

No, not WD40, thanks for that derrick, Just a damp cloth, then dried them thoroughly with a dry cloth
-Steve

 

[HLaB]

I'm not sure about disc brakes but with wire pull brakes you just unscrew the barrel adjuster as the pad wears, that keeps braking sharp.

 

[dirtjumps]

Where is the barrel adjuster? Sorry but I'm such a novice
-Steve

 

[biggs682]

grease is the best cure for squeaking brakes .................... only joking

 

[dirtjumps]

They aren't squeaky lol
-Steve

 

[Tim Hall]

Where is the barrel adjuster? Sorry but I'm such a novice
-Steve

The barrel adjuster is found on cable operated brakes and is located either on the brake lever, where the cable exits the lever, or on the brake caliper. Are your brakes cable or hydraulic?

 

[dirtjumps]

Cable, I know that much :P I'm happy I know something :P
- Steve

 

[Pauluk]

Adjusting the brake cable will only adjust the brake lever travel before the brake pads apply pressure. I admit that this can sometimes allow you to apply a bit more pressure though. If your brakes are poor in terms of stopping power then either the cables are stretching under pressure (not likely) or the pads are contaminated or the front disc has become smooth.

With the V brakes I would check the cable and the pads (I've never had trouble with v brakes), the pads being the most likely.

With the front disc I would try wiping the disc and the pads with alcohol or disc brake cleaner first. You can emery the disc if it has become smooth (youtube shows how), but my money would be on the pads.

How long/many miles have you had the pads front and back?

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

That reminds me - my barrel adjuster is at the limit.

Where they are varies from bike to bike but they're usually at one end of the outer cable, either where it meets the brake or at a fixed routing point on the frame. It's in 2 parts - one bit screws into a fixed point with a second nut that will turn with it. You turn the screwy bit one way and then turn the nut the other way, locking it to the routing point. In effect, this makes the cable travel further and places the brake shoes/pads closer to the braking surface. (Clearly, I'm not technically minded but I can usually stop!)

 

[dirtjumps]

Erm, I don't know that, they are both stock to the bike, but the rear pads aren't worn down that much tbh, so I'll check them again in the morning when it's light, but I'm pretty sure that they still have some good wear, the disc brake may have gone smooth, again, I'll check them both in the morning, or afternoon, depending on how early I get up (I got to 6th form) and what sort of alcohol? Alcohol hand rub? Got plenty of that...

 

[fossyant]

Guys it's a dirt jump bike. Nuff said.

Get brake cleaner and that's it. Get to a Dirt Jump site ?

I am not having any dirty jump bike things on 'ere you know.....

SORRY.....