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Hydraulic Brake Advice

(5 posts)
  • Started 9 years ago by acsimpson
  • Latest reply from I were right about that saddle

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  1. acsimpson
    Member

    (tl;dr - new brakes and replacements showing fluid on the back of the pads)

    I fitted my new hydraulic/cable brakes last weekend and while bedding them in noticed a large performance difference between front and bake brakes. On taking the pads out I diagnosed the reason as brake fluid leaking from the pistons onto the pads. In fact on closer inspection it appears that both the front and back calipers had fluid on the back of the pads.

    I have now received replacements and before I have even fitted them thought I would check the pistons. I put the discs into the brakes and pulled them on a few times before removing the pads. Lo and behold on the back of the pads there is evidence of fluid.

    Has anyone else experienced this with new brakes? Is there another explanation other than leaking brake fluid?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  2. tk
    Member

    Sounds like the piston seals in the calliper have failed. This can be down to grit, wrong fluid or wear and tear. It's a factory service but may be covered for free if they are under warranty

    Posted 9 years ago #

  3. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Yup, probably the piston seals. But check all the joints. Wipe them all dry, give the brakes a long hard squeeze and examine for weeping fluid.

    You can replace seals yourself without too much fuss, but not everyone is comfortable disassembling hydraulics.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  4. acsimpson
    Member

    Piston seals was my first guess but it seems unlikely for more than one brand new set to exhibit the same flaw which is why I was hoping there might be another explanation such as excessive lubricant being used on the pistons while in manufacture. Is that possible or not?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  5. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Sounds like something is very wrong. Can't tell what by text alone though. Just need to check all the components for leaks from the master cylinder to the pistons.

    The brakes are new, so back they go. Just play the irrate and intransigent customer.

    Posted 9 years ago #

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