Cleaning and Maintenance of Bicycle Disc Brakes

The disc brakes of road cars do not need to worry about the problem of burning the frame, and provide more sensitive braking force and feel, but it should also be noted that regular cleaning and maintenance can maintain the good braking performance of the disc brakes.

How do riders clean and maintain road disc brakes at home?

It is not that difficult to clean disc brakes. Regular maintenance can ensure the safety of riding and the life of parts. However, if you encounter abnormal noise, oil replacement, or maintenance after riding on rainy days, it is recommended to go to a professional car shop for assistance. The oil condition is the place where the hydraulic disc brake needs special attention. If it is not replaced regularly, in addition to causing a poor brake feeling, when the oil swells, the caliper may be stuck.

The following are the cleaning and maintenance steps for the disc brake:

• Prepare the tools you will use first: a screwdriver, measuring ruler, toothbrush, wipes, alcohol, and detergent.
• To clean the handlebars of the vehicle, spray alcohol on the wiper.
• Wipe the brake handle, handle strap, and grip cover to remove dust, sand, and sweat.
• To remove the pad, the first step is to remove the latch ring on the caliper. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to unscrew the set screw on the other side. Remove the spring plate on the caliper, and pay attention to the spring plate so that it is not lost.
• After removing the pad, use a measuring ruler to check the thickness of the pad. If it is less than 0.5mm, it is recommended to replace it. At the same time, check the thickness of the disc. If it is less than 1.5mm, it is recommended to replace it. In addition, it should be especially reminded that when the pad is removed, do not press the brake handle, which will cause the piston to be squeezed out, which will cause the pad to not be installed later. The thickness of the disc is less than 1.5mm, it is recommended to replace it.
• When cleaning the pads, put the detergent on the toothbrush first, and be careful not to get oil stains on the toothbrush so as not to get dirty as you brush. Clean the surface of the sheet with a toothbrush and wipe off the moisture with a dry cloth.
• When cleaning the disc, spray alcohol on the wiper, wipe the inner ring first, then wipe the outer ring of the disc. The disc cleaning of the bicycle is divided into the outer ring and the inner ring. The inner ring is more oily, so after wiping the inner ring, it is recommended to replace the outer ring with a cloth to prevent the oil from the inner ring from getting on the outer ring again.
• The caliper part is also wiped with a cloth dipped in alcohol. When cleaning the calipers, there are many fixing screws on the calipers. It is recommended that the rider not adjust them by themselves, to avoid the position of the calipers shifting and causing the brakes to be unsmooth. more crooked.
• After cleaning, the pad can be put back in the future. It should be noted that the pad has left and right sides. Install the leaf spring between the pads, then push the pads into the caliper. Insert the set screw into the caliper and lock it with a flat-blade screwdriver. Finally, insert the latch ring back into its original position.
• After the pad is installed, first press the brake to check whether it is OK, let the caliper piston return to its original position, and turn the wheel to check the smoothness and whether there is any abnormal noise. usual.

The above completes the cleaning and maintenance of road disc brakes. Regular maintenance of the disc brake of the bicycle can give full play to its excellent braking ability!

​Reference: cycling