The SRAM brakes on my Polygon Bend RV are pretty average. But a few days ago I rode for an hour or so in rain on a sandy/muddy 4wd road. The bike got a bit muddy and the brakes started making a grinding noise like sand had got into them. The noise went away once they dried, but the lever had started coming in to the bars and not slowing the bike down much. I’ve tried bleeding them using the two syringes and pumping fluid through, and I think I’ve got the air out, but they are still coming in to the bars.. Here’s my questions: 1. Is there something about the SRAM stuff that makes them susceptible to water and grit ? Some close tolerance ? 2. Is there some special thing needed to be done when bleeding them ? I’ve used the two syringe method with the Avids on my mtb with total success. 3. Are they supposed to be self-adjusting ? It’s occurred to me that the metal thing that holds the disc pads is quite spring-loaded, and could be pushing the caliper pistons back in each time you squeeze the brakes, so that they don’t self-adjust. Any thoughts on this ? Ta Nitram
Yeah I did wonder that, 'though the bike is very new. I had a look at the pads and they're not down to the metal or anything like that. But I don't know the specs of the original pads- how thick they are when new etc. Any idea ?
The pad thickness on a new Avid BB7 pad is 2mm and the backing plate is 2mm. A used Shimano J02A pad had 1.2mm when I decided to change it. Still usable but pads are relatively cheap and the peace of mind is priceless.
