Disc Brake Pad Fade

[nashdm2]

Hi Guys, I have a 2015 KTM Sport 10 GPS+. The brakes are Shimano Deore XT Hydraulic discs.

I am suffering from brake pad fade on the bike due I think down to the combined weight of me and the bike!!!! (I am some 17 stone!!)

The rear disc has now discoloured due to the heat in it.

So, I was bored today and started to investigate. It's a mine field, but, I have noticed searching around there appears to be many pad surface materials and also, some pads with what I think are "heat fins" on them.

I think I have what I would describe as "standard resin pads with no fins fitted from the factors (perhaps Col could confirm that for me please)?

The question is, if I upgrade to metal pads with fins on them, will that cure, or help the issue?

Your comments please?

Thanks, Dave

 

[nashdm2]

I Have just taken my pads out and they have the following written on them:

Shimano Aluminium Go1A Resin

So, on that basis I do have some options to improve I guess?

Dave

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Are you sure that your problems are not down to incorrect adjustment? My all-up weight has been over 140kg and I've never had my brakes overheat. Do you have exceptional hills?

 

[D C]

You don't mention the front overheating, are you just using the rear brake and maybe letting it trail on over a long downhill as this will certainly lead to overheating as prolonged friction equals heat.
If this is the case try using more front brake than rear and braking slightly harder for shorter periods then release for a few seconds to allow cooling before braking again.
If you are already doing this then as d8veh says there is a likelihood of an adjustment problem or maybe glazed or oil contaminated pads.
You are unlikely to get oil out but you can remove glaze.

Dave

 

[nashdm2]

Thanks for the replies chaps, appreciated.

So, I am utilising the brakes evenly when needed. This fade is not a regular event I must admit, but, there are some long downhills which I ride on regularly, in normal use, that brakes are ok, but, I would like to understand if there are better options out there for me really.
I have checked the adjustment and it all seems ok, from my limited experience.
When I took the pads out today there did not appear to be any glazing from what I can see. I have altered my braking style to see if that helps, i.e., on all the time slightly when downhill, against off and then the occasional hard braking to bring the speed down. Given that I have got the rain non-fin type of pads, I have ordered some Shimano Deore XT Alfine J type Metal pads, not cheap but I will try them to see if this helps at all which I am expecting it should. Time will tell I guess chaps, thanks for the replies, others welcome.
Dave

 

[Deleted member 4366]

After you've reinstalled them, loosen the two caliper screws, then hold the brake on while you re-tighten them. That should line them up properly unless there is some other installation problem. Make sure that the wheel spins without the brakes binding.

I think it's better to use short hard braking than keeping them on all the time to stop them from over-heating.

 

[nashdm2]

Hi dave, thanks, will try that now as I did notice when I pulled the front brake that the pads forced the disc over slightly which cannot be right, I guess your suggestion will cure that.

 

[D C]

thanks for the replies, others welcome

I think only "Daves" allowed on this thread!
Hope the new pads sort it for you.
Dave.

 

[nashdm2]

Yes, I agree, reading a bit more into this, the pads I have ordered should help considerably.
Thanks chaps.

 

[EddiePJ]

One thing to check. Some Shimano discs are marked resin pads only. Presumably the disc material is possibly softer than sintered brake pad material?

I run sintered for the most part, but switched back to resin two weeks ago. The sintered pads didn't like the first nine mile down hill run of the hols, and it was only £6.00 for genuine Shimano XTR resin pads, so it was no brainer. I wore them out in less than 180 miles though! Back at home, I don't bother with the finned Shimano pads, and normally just buy Clarks pads.

 

[JamesW]

One thing to check. Some Shimano discs are marked resin pads only. Presumably the disc material is possibly softer than sintered brake pad material?

I run sintered for the most part, but switched back to resin two weeks ago. The sintered pads didn't like the first nine mile down hill run of the hols, and it was only £6.00 for genuine Shimano XTR resin pads, so it was no brainer. I wore them out in less than 180 miles though! Back at home, I don't bother with the finned Shimano pads, and normally just buy Clarks pads.

And in English please for those of us who do not yet understand the difference between the properties of sintered pads and resin pads? Which is better for what?
(Still learning )

 

[EddiePJ]

This might do a better job of explaining things than I ever could.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/brake-pad-information-2009.html

.

 

[JamesW]

This might do a better job of explaining things than I ever could.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/brake-pad-information-2009.html

.

Fantastic link, thanks Eddie. Glad you enjoyed Switzerland!

 

[nashdm2]

Thanks chaps, appreciate your input, I have gone the whole hog now and purchased new discs to go with the new pads, so, once fitted I will give you a quick report on the differences.

 

[nashdm2]

Update, I have now fitted the new shimano discs and pads. At first I was disappointed but quickly remembered that all the reviews said the metal pads were a slower initial bite, but soon into the ride the pads and discs got used to each other and the braking is greatly improved with longer lasting down hill and fade eliminated, so, overall I am delighted.
Dave

 

[cwah]

You need to decrease the heat as much as possible as more heat will increase the pad wear.

Increase your rotor to 203mm and get the fans.

You can get a the shimano zee M640 for decent price:
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/shimano-zee-disc-brake-br-m640-b-set-86999/wg_id-4237

And get cooling fans to brakes pad:
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/shimano-disc-brake-pads-ice-tec-h03c-metal-64821

 

[Fordulike]

I bought and fitted some replacement pads for my Tektro HDC300's from Uber Bike Components:

http://www.uberbikecomponents.com/view-product/Uberbike-Tektro-Draco-Dorado-Orion-Auriga-Aquilia-Semi-Metallic-Disc-Brake-Pads

I didn't go for the fancy ones, as I was concerned they might be noisy, but their standard ones have been pretty awesome so far.

Good initial bite and consistent stopping power. I feel I can modulate the Ubers a little better than the originals too.

I know I've said this before, but thank you to everyone who persuaded me to go hydraulic from rim

 

[nashdm2]

Thanks, cwah, I did buy the pads with fins (Shimano J04C). I also purchased the discs with fins (Shimano SM-RT99) Not a cheap upgrade, but it has sorted the issue out now.