timdmilton Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Hi, My Divvy has single front disk brake which doesn't seem very good at all. I've tried bleeding it which helped in that the lever no longer has the spongy feel as before but stopping power is still pretty ineffective compared with other machine I've ridden. Last time I took her in for an MOT I asked them to check the front disk and pads and was told nothing wrong (well I suppose they must have worked well enough to pass the MOT). Is this a common complaint do you know? I assume that's the reason that they upgraded later production models to twin disks at the front. Also I'm experiencing an alarming tendency of the rear wheel to lock up with only moderate pressure applied to the pedal. Could be my fault I guess as I'm quite inexperienced on bikes, or maybe there is a genuine fault? Thanks Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slice Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Hi Tim, does your bike have rear brake shoes rather than pads? If so then you can improve the braking by shamfering off the leading edge of the shoe with a file, you could replace the front forks with ones off of a newer bike that has twin discs, not that expensive and will really make an improvement to the handling. Or you could drive SLOWER !!!! I suppose but where is the fun in that? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neversaydie Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Could be that the front brake pipes are swelling up as you apply the pressure. You can get braided hoses to significantly reduce that Could be moisture in the fluid allowing the fluid to compress Might benefit from full service of front brake system, seals/pistons/fluid change/pipes/master cylinder kit If youve no record of any of that work previously being done, then the above parts maybe 17 years old Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator DirtyDT Posted July 23, 2014 Moderator Share Posted July 23, 2014 This should be in the workshop section. No oily bits bits or overalls are allowed in the bar. It won't come off the seats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dt502001 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Could be that the pads are contaminated with oil or glazed,had a custormer who though because the brakes squeeled in the morning would be a good idea to spray them with wd 40 . Try changing the pads out with new or give them a rub down with some sand paper. a single disc should still put the power down to lift the rear wheel.Even the tiny little front brake on my wr will lift the back wheel. But you didn't say if the lever comes to the bar or much to go on, could be you just dont know how to ride yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timdmilton Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Apologies to the Moderator for discussing taboo subjects in the bar! I'm new to the forum as you can tell but here, as in the 'outside world' I always tend to gravitate to bars (though not on days when I'm driving or riding of course) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timdmilton Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Thanks for your replies, guys. In answer to your questions it has a rear disk brake and yes that's a good point about getting the brake service done. I will re-post in the workshop section if any further questions, cheers. Oh and mines a pint whoever's buying lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neversaydie Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 You never know what you may find if you overhaul the brakes Look what turned up in one of my front pistons An M8 hex head screw. The thread on it was only the same length as the thickness of the piston end wall, and it had been drilled and tapped into the piston Why? Chuff knows, but I'm glad I did the work 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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