Disk brakes self tighten

[spenc938]

My disk brakes seem to self tighten. I'll adjust them perfectly so that there is absolutely no rubbing then I'll go a week without riding and they'll be rubbing when I get back. Sometimes rubbing quite badly. It seems weird but I've had this happen countless times. Every time the bike sits for a week, the brakes rub.

I have hayes MX4 calipers.

[dave_sd]

Are you using a torque wrench?

[RBurrelli]

(10-21-2011, 01:14 AM)dave_sd Wrote:  Are you using a torque wrench?

I think what Dave means is... are you tightening to the specs when making your adjustment? If you are not, then perhaps they are loosening for that reason.

[biciloco]

So are you saying that the caliper pistons are creeping out on their own causing the pads to clamp down on the rotor?

[GeorgeET]

Hmmm.. that is strange. Do your brakes feel firm when working properly or a bit spongy? Have they been bled properly? Sometimes air bubbles can do that. Check the master cylinder also make sure its valving is clean. I suggest bleeding and resetting entire system.
Some drag on the discs is normal.

[biciloco]

(10-23-2011, 10:56 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Hmmm.. that is strange. Do your brakes feel firm when working properly or a bit spongy? Have they been bled properly? Sometimes air bubbles can do that. Check the master cylinder also make sure its valving is clean. I suggest bleeding and resetting entire system.
Some drag on the discs is normal.

Yep - probably right about that. If refilling the lines, calipers and levers don't work - try replacing the piston seals.

[spenc938]

Sorry about the really slow reply... I haven't ridden in a while.

No I'm not using a torque wrench.

They're mechanical, not hydraulic.

@biciloco: Yes that is pretty much it.

You say that some drag is normal? Is it normal for them to start dragging after I adjusted them so I wouldn't?


Thank you so much for the help... I'll remember to check back sooner this time.

[GeorgeET]

Wow, that's an oldie. For lock of system info. Generic reply. First clean and lubricate per owners manual . than check this video for adjustment. HTH.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtm0bwY1ZSY