Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrew on March 20, 2012 at 11:55

Any joy Matt?

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Permalink Reply by matthew Ryks on March 20, 2012 at 15:51

I havent emailed the guy at this stage, i found some more stuff on the net which was simpler (ie didnt say i have to have my bike on a certain angle!) but i still would like like to know where to get a pad separator from and make sure the kits you can buy are the right ones to use, so i might email him when i have a chance!

Also on the ride, we ahve soemthing on at 11 so im thinking i wont be able to make it, definately up for it at a different time/day though!

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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on March 20, 2012 at 15:49

is the Shimano fluid compatible with all the rubber and plastic parts/seals in the brakes?

Want cheap brake fluid try the auto section of a supermarket.

unless the brakes are spongy why would you need to bleed the brakes?

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Permalink Reply by matthew Ryks on March 21, 2012 at 8:42

Hi Don

That is what i am not sure about, they are both mineral fluids but as to the compatibility i am not sure.

I dont really care too much about the price it seems though the shimano stuff is easier to come by and i wouldnt think that automotive brake fluid would be compatible with bike brakes given they are totally different types of fluids (car brake fluid being highly corrosive and all!)

The reason for me changing is just routine maintenance, you change the brake fluid in your car every so many km's or year(s) so why not bike brakes-my thoughts anyway...

thanks

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Permalink Reply by Gary Mills on March 21, 2012 at 9:21

If you're worried about bleeding them and oil compatability,  flush the old oil out and replace with Shimano. If the brakes are working OK, I wouldn't worry about bleeding them, just replace pads. Bleeding is a simple process with the correct kit.

If you want the pad spacer, I have several and you can have one if you want to come out to Elizabeth.  Most bikes come from the factory with the spacer  to keep the pads in place until the wheel is fitted.  Can't see why most bike shops wouldn't have some laying around in their workshop.

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Permalink Reply by matthew Ryks on March 23, 2012 at 12:14

Thanks for the Help Gary, there is nothing wrong from what i can tell (i have only owned hydo's for the past 1-2 yrs!) so i think i will leave it for a while and just change the pads as you recommended.

As for coming to pick up a pad spacer i unfrotunately live at seaford rise and its a bit of a drive out to pick one up, thanks for the offer though.

One thing i have always wanted to know, is how hard are they to adjust, i used to have XT vbrakes and they grabbed with about a few mm of the level pull and i want that again with my hyro's but it seems that this is a bit more movement in them.

Any assistance would be appreciated. Also im tyhinking you own a shop, what one so if i ever need work done i can see if i can come down (up actually!)

thanks

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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on March 23, 2012 at 12:55

My gut feeling (based on a bit of car experience)

1. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

2. Car brake fluid is subject to really harsh conditions - pressure, temperature well above boiling -that's why it has limited life. Bike brake fluid - much milder conditions, so may not need changing that often.

But if you do want to change it ... why not do it  at   Adelaide Communtiy Bicycle Workshop

They have  books on bike maintenance, tools, and  volunteer mechanics. Bring the parts and and fluid along  - use the workshops tools - if you get stuck, the  volunteers  can help.  

Adelaide Community Bicycle Workshop:

 34 Long Street Plympton 

Saturday mornings, 9 am- 12 noon.

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