Brake Issues

shorelocal · 12-22-2003, 08:38 PM

Looking for opinions on a brake upgrade.

I currently have Purple Hayes F&R with 8" rotors and I just can't seem to achieve strong braking power. The brake lines have been replaced, genuine Hayes pads are new(ish), and I'm using DOT4 fluid ... but nothing helps. Everytime I bleed the system with my little leach kit, some air pockets exit at the top (lever end). Even after a fresh bleed, the brakes are still mushy, to the point that sometimes the lever comes all the way back to the bar. I have even had the LBS bleed the system with similar results.

I guess I have a few options.

#1 - try out the new Goodridge stainless lines (might be worth a shot)
#2 - full rebuild of current brakes (master cylinder and/or calipers)
#3 - install complete new brake system

What I want is a solid brake feel without too much play.

Cheers

switch · 12-22-2003, 08:51 PM

Purple Hayes are very good, strong brakes.

Take it to a bike shop that can fix the problem as it could be a leak in any part of the system and a good mech should be able to figure out where it is.

shorelocal · 12-22-2003, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by switch
Take it to a bike shop that can fix the problem as it could be a leak in any part of the system and a good mech should be able to figure out where it is.

Any suggestions for a good shop on the Shore, as the current shop I go to can't seem to fix it (going by past results).

Cheers

ruff · 12-22-2003, 10:21 PM

hmmm, maybe your cartridge is cracked?

Rat · 12-22-2003, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Superchode
Any suggestions for a good shop on the Shore, as the current shop I go to can't seem to fix it (going by past results).

Cheers

Dizzy Cycles

UFO · 12-22-2003, 11:06 PM

you could have a deteriorating piston seal, at either master cylinder or slave cylinder.

12-22-2003, 11:22 PM

yes.. what UFO said.. best places i ever took my breaks was John henry and then they directed me to dizzy for parts and experts

The_Real_Yeti · 12-23-2003, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Superchode
Any suggestions for a good shop on the Shore, as the current shop I go to can't seem to fix it (going by past results).

Cheers

Go to the cove shop

otbscm #13 · 12-23-2003, 03:29 AM

Check yourn secondary reach that may be all that's wrong with your brakes

NSTP · 12-23-2003, 04:18 AM

go to Steed, we deal with OGC ( the deals hayes brakes) on a weekly basis and the OGC head mechanic will even come in to take at look at serious problems. But if you hayes are falling short, i know a dude that got the goodridge lines for his hayes, and notices a great improvement in braking. Some other great brakes for the Buck are the 4 piston XT or new saint brakes!

treezz · 12-23-2003, 04:51 AM

i get all my work done at BSP NV. it sounds like your bladder in the lever is split or it can also be the plastic were the bleed screw tightens into being cracked. this happens if ham fisted mechs over tighten the screw

BAC5.2 · 12-23-2003, 05:07 AM

Weird that you are having problems. I'm still on stock hardwear (hoses and everything) after more than 2 years on my Hayes Purples, and have no problems. I would have dropped Hayes a long time ago if I was having problems.

Kid Riemer · 12-23-2003, 06:23 PM

There is either something currently wrong with one of the parts of the brake, or it isn't properly bled.

If your current shop hasn't been able to fix the problem, go to a different shop.

If the system is bled fully, and then cleaned well, you should be able to tell if you've got a leak somewhere.

Goodridge lines will improve that system, but there is something else wrong that you need to take of first.

shorelocal · 12-23-2003, 08:09 PM

Thanks for all the input folks.

I'm gonna try once more with the current Purples and see if I can't get them fixed properly. The possible bladder leakage/crack sounds like my next area of attack.

Cheers.

12-23-2003, 03:29 AM	#9
otbscm #13 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Too far from Wistler! (Seattle) Posts: 130 Rep Power: 43	Check yourn secondary reach that may be all that's wrong with your brakes __________________ If bikes were crack,I'd be Lindsy Lohan.

12-23-2003, 04:18 AM	#10
NSTP employee of the month Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: NV Posts: 1,188 Rep Power: 20939	go to Steed, we deal with OGC ( the deals hayes brakes) on a weekly basis and the OGC head mechanic will even come in to take at look at serious problems. But if you hayes are falling short, i know a dude that got the goodridge lines for his hayes, and notices a great improvement in braking. Some other great brakes for the Buck are the 4 piston XT or new saint brakes! __________________ .:NSTP:.

12-23-2003, 05:07 AM	#12
BAC5.2 DCLXVI Join Date: May 2003 Location: Margaritaville Posts: 4,240 Rep Power: 0	Weird that you are having problems. I'm still on stock hardwear (hoses and everything) after more than 2 years on my Hayes Purples, and have no problems. I would have dropped Hayes a long time ago if I was having problems. __________________ I like my women like I like my Scotch. 15 years old and mixed up with coke.

12-23-2003, 08:09 PM	#14
shorelocal Safe don't pay good Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Vancity Posts: 1,878 Rep Power: 82753	Thanks for all the input folks. I'm gonna try once more with the current Purples and see if I can't get them fixed properly. The possible bladder leakage/crack sounds like my next area of attack. Cheers. __________________

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12-22-2003, 08:38 PM	#1
shorelocal Safe don't pay good Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Vancity Posts: 1,878 Rep Power: 82753	Brake Issues Looking for opinions on a brake upgrade. I currently have Purple Hayes F&R with 8" rotors and I just can't seem to achieve strong braking power. The brake lines have been replaced, genuine Hayes pads are new(ish), and I'm using DOT4 fluid ... but nothing helps. Everytime I bleed the system with my little leach kit, some air pockets exit at the top (lever end). Even after a fresh bleed, the brakes are still mushy, to the point that sometimes the lever comes all the way back to the bar. I have even had the LBS bleed the system with similar results. I guess I have a few options. #1 - try out the new Goodridge stainless lines (might be worth a shot) #2 - full rebuild of current brakes (master cylinder and/or calipers) #3 - install complete new brake system What I want is a solid brake feel without too much play. Cheers

12-22-2003, 08:51 PM	#2
switch two foot hucker Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Old Buck Posts: 30,081 Rep Power: 13897290	Purple Hayes are very good, strong brakes. Take it to a bike shop that can fix the problem as it could be a leak in any part of the system and a good mech should be able to figure out where it is. __________________ It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities. - Josiah Stamp Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. - H.G. Wells

12-22-2003, 10:21 PM	#4
ruff I'm a Hammer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Not quite South Surrey Posts: 1,039 Rep Power: 167355	hmmm, maybe your cartridge is cracked?

12-22-2003, 11:06 PM	#6
UFO Old school Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: VWLOC Posts: 954 Rep Power: 20594	you could have a deteriorating piston seal, at either master cylinder or slave cylinder.

12-22-2003, 11:22 PM	#7
axx Guest Posts: n/a	yes.. what UFO said.. best places i ever took my breaks was John henry and then they directed me to dizzy for parts and experts

12-23-2003, 04:51 AM	#11
treezz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 210 Rep Power: 16	i get all my work done at BSP NV. it sounds like your bladder in the lever is split or it can also be the plastic were the bleed screw tightens into being cracked. this happens if ham fisted mechs over tighten the screw

12-23-2003, 06:23 PM	#13
Kid Riemer Industry Marketing Person Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 19 Rep Power: 0	There is either something currently wrong with one of the parts of the brake, or it isn't properly bled. If your current shop hasn't been able to fix the problem, go to a different shop. If the system is bled fully, and then cleaned well, you should be able to tell if you've got a leak somewhere. Goodridge lines will improve that system, but there is something else wrong that you need to take of first.

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