Dave K
01-29-2002, 01:59 PM
Apparently I need to be checking the tightness of the bolts that hold the caliper together on my Hayes hydraulic brakes.
While riding at Smithville, when I went to mash the rear brake lever, the lever went all the way down with no effect. I looked back and saw brake fluid all over the rear caliper and rotor. The hose was still connected, but I noticed that at least one bolt on the caliper was a loose. I'm not sure which bolt it was, but it didn't seem to be one that held it to the frame. I was able to ride out with just the front brake no problem. Still rode "the Wall". Even though the pads were rubbing somewhat on the rotor, I decided to leave everything intact on my rear brake to avoid losing any parts. Plus, the brake fluid lubed it up pretty well back there and the pads were going to be trashed anyway since they were now contaminated.
Bicycle Heaven said the diagnosis is that a bolt came loose which allowed the fluid to leak out. No big deal. I looked on Hayes website manual at http://www.hayesdiscbrake.com/manuals/fhse.pdf. It mentions 2 "bridge bolts" which hold the caliper halves together. I believe one of those loosened over time and vibration.
SO, I guess this means I need to be checking those bolts occasionally. I never knew, but I certainly do now. At least it didn't happen during a race or epic ride.
:) :confused:
While riding at Smithville, when I went to mash the rear brake lever, the lever went all the way down with no effect. I looked back and saw brake fluid all over the rear caliper and rotor. The hose was still connected, but I noticed that at least one bolt on the caliper was a loose. I'm not sure which bolt it was, but it didn't seem to be one that held it to the frame. I was able to ride out with just the front brake no problem. Still rode "the Wall". Even though the pads were rubbing somewhat on the rotor, I decided to leave everything intact on my rear brake to avoid losing any parts. Plus, the brake fluid lubed it up pretty well back there and the pads were going to be trashed anyway since they were now contaminated.
Bicycle Heaven said the diagnosis is that a bolt came loose which allowed the fluid to leak out. No big deal. I looked on Hayes website manual at http://www.hayesdiscbrake.com/manuals/fhse.pdf. It mentions 2 "bridge bolts" which hold the caliper halves together. I believe one of those loosened over time and vibration.
SO, I guess this means I need to be checking those bolts occasionally. I never knew, but I certainly do now. At least it didn't happen during a race or epic ride.
:) :confused: