On the picture 2 brake pads seem kind of uncentered( it goes a bit right) unlike ones on picture 1(sorry about bright background i tried to make brake pads and inside of the calliper to be as visible as possible) , is this normal and does it affect braking performance. Im going to buy new brake pads and switch them out tomorrow since they look very thin and used, should i do something about this or am i just overthinking things. And are there any items you use to push in the brake (to create more space between the brake pads, idk if there is a professional word for it) while installing new ones, will any of home stuff like a wrench do or something like that.
Thanks in advance to everyone who replies.
by ThatGuyToni
3 Comments
Your pads look almost worn out it’s probably time to change them before you get down to metal on metal. Don’t forget as you get thinner and thinner sometimes the pads have a little bit harder time staying completely square and you could have a piston that is sticking a little the best thing you can do is pull out the old pads and clean the surface of the piston with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip really really well and then dry it before pushing the pistons back in. Depending on how long it’s been since you bled your brakes it probably would be a good idea to do a bleed or a fluid replacement on your brakes when you change your pads.
As for a device to push the pistons back in I have a little plastic tool that I use it’s a spacer that helps push those back in for install installing new pads. I think I got it at my local bike shop for about six bucks but I know you can get them on Amazon as part of a brake bleeding kit
The caliper pistons need to be lubricated and cleaned periodically. The pistons aren’t retracting properly because the lubrication is insufficient. Remove the brake pads and gently squeeze the brake lever to allow the pistons to extend, being careful not to pull them all the way out. Clean them with isopropyl alcohol and lubricate them with the same brake fluid, wiping off any excess. Return the pistons to the caliper and finally replace the brake pads. This should solve the problem.
I usually pour a little bit of the 91% rubbing alcohol into the cap and dip the Q-tip in it and then clean off the pistons. When you have the brake pads removed do not squeeze the brake lever or you will pop your pistons out and you will have a mess. While you have no pads in the brakes make sure you just avoid touching the lever at all.
There is some really good tutorials online on YouTube on how to bleed brakes I would watch a couple and use that as your starting point for bleeding your brakes. You can buy a brake bleeding kit off Amazon for around $20 and I believe they have a universal kit that covers both Sram and Shimano for a few dollars more