If you’re ever having trouble getting your mountain bike to stop, chances are the brakes are clogged up. Here’s a guide on how to clear them properly – and keep them CLEAN in the process!
How Mtb Brakes Work
Mtb brakes work by using the force of your pedaling to rotate an inner disk that slows or stops the wheel. This system is different from traditional bike brakes, which use pads on the wheel to stop.
Types of Flush Procedures
There are several ways to flush mountain bike brake pads. Follow the instructions that best suit your specific situation.
1. Use a garden hose: Find a long, high-pressure hose and turn on the water. Direct the stream of water at the brake pads until they are wet. Turn off the water and let the pads air-dry.
2. Use boiling water: Fill a pot with cold water and add a cup of white vinegar or bleach. Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it over the brake pads. Turn off the heat and let the pads soak for about 10 minutes. scrub them clean with a brush if necessary)
3. Use a vacuum cleaner: Put on gloves and use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the liquid from between the brake pads and rotor blades.
4. Use an air compressor: If you have an air compressor, attach one end of an air hose to the brake reservoir and connect the other end to a pressure gauge or cylinder (available at hardware stores). Pump air into the hose until it reaches 50 psi (3 bar), then release it slowly until there’s no more air coming out of the hose. This flushes away any residual fluid
Pre-Flush Procedures
If you’re riding a mountain bike with disc brakes, it’s important to know how to flush and clean the brake pads before each ride. Here’s a guide on how to do it:
First, remove the wheel from the bike. Next, remove the brake pads. Pour a pot of boiling water onto the brake calipers and let them soak for 30 minutes. Use a plunger to remove any built-up pad material. Place the pads in a trash bag and seal the bag tightly. Let the pads dry for at least 24 hours before using them again.
Flush Procedures
Mountain biking is all about taking risks and pushing yourself to new limits. But even the most seasoned cyclists know that sometimes the best course of action is to pull over, remove your bike’s front wheel and place it on the ground.
That’s because when you’re mountain biking, your braking system is primarily responsible for bringing your bike to a stop. And if it doesn’t work properly, you could end up crashing.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to flush your mountain bike brakes and ensure they function properly in the future. Here are three:
1) Park your bike on a level surface with the front wheel off the ground
2) Open both brake levers fully
3) Pump the brakes until they feel resistance then release them
Post-Flush Procedures
After flushing your mountain bike brakes, take note of the following:
– Make sure all lines are secured- especially if you have a cable system. (This includes the brake line, derailleur line and housing.)
– Make sure that the lever is in the “Off” position.
– Close all bleed screws on the master cylinder.
– Open the bleed screw on the reservoir.
– Pump the brake pedal several times until all fluid has been released from the reservoir.
– Replace any or all of the lines as necessary (using correct type of line and connector).
– Bleed again if necessary