Brake issues
Pad, fluid, and lever feel
This free guided diagnosis asks up to 5 questions about what the bike is actually doing and narrows it down to 7 possible faults, each with a safety call, what it costs to fix, and the guide that fixes it.
What causes brake issues?
Old brake fluid needs replacement
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point and causing sponginess.
Ride with caution. Flush before your next ride. Moisture-laden fluid can boil on a long descent and leave you with no brake at all. Typical cost: $20-45 DIY, $80-160 at a shop.
Air in brake lines
Spongy feel with fresh fluid indicates air in system. Bleed brakes properly.
Do not ride. Do not ride until the lever is firm. Air in the system can mean no brake exactly when you need one. Typical cost: $20-45 DIY, $80-180 at a shop.
Brake pads worn out
Metal backing contacting rotor causes grinding. Replace pads immediately to prevent rotor damage.
Do not ride. Stop riding. Metal on metal means your stopping distance is already compromised and the rotor is being destroyed. Typical cost: $30-90 DIY, $120-250 at a shop.
Glazed pads or rotor
Shiny, smooth surface on pads/rotor reduces friction. Sand pads or replace.
Ride with caution. Your braking distance is longer than it should be. Sort it before any fast or wet riding. Typical cost: $15-90 DIY, $90-200 at a shop.
Stuck caliper piston or slide pins
Caliper not releasing causes drag and uneven wear. Clean and rebuild caliper.
Do not ride. Do not ride far. A dragging caliper can overheat the fluid until the brake fails completely. Typical cost: $25-120 DIY, $150-400 at a shop.
Warped brake rotor
Pulsing in lever or pulling indicates rotor is warped. Measure runout or replace.
Ride with caution. Usable gently, but pulsing brakes lengthen stopping distances. Get the runout measured before hard riding. Typical cost: $90-350 DIY, $220-650 at a shop.
Master cylinder issue
Brake not fully releasing may indicate swollen seals in master cylinder.
Do not ride. A brake that will not release can lock a wheel or boil its own fluid. Do not ride it. Typical cost: $25-140 DIY, $180-420 at a shop.