How to care and maintain the brake system of 79Bike Falcon Pro?
Cleaning
Exterior Cleaning:
Regularly wipe down the exterior of the brake system with a clean, soft cloth to remove surface dust, dirt, oil, and other impurities, keeping it clean. For dirt on the brake pads and rotors, you can use a specialized brake cleaner, but be careful to avoid getting cleaner inside the brake system's internal components.
Interior Cleaning:
If there is a lot of dust or debris inside the brake system, you can use compressed air to blow off the dust, but be sure to control the air pressure and distance to avoid damaging the components. You can also remove the brake caliper from the frame and carefully clean all components and pistons with a toothbrush and organic cleaner, then dry the caliper with a hairdryer.
Inspection
Brake Pad Wear:
Check the thickness of the brake pads before each ride or at regular intervals. Replace the brake pads when they are worn down to one-third of their original thickness or if they make noise or slip. Generally, inspect the brake pads comprehensively every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers or every 6 months.
Brake Rotor Wear:
Check if the surface of the brake rotor is flat, without scratches, pits, or excessive wear. Replace or repair the rotor if it shows significant signs of wear or deformation. Also, ensure the rotor is securely installed; tighten it if it’s loose.
Brake Fluid Level and Quality:
Regularly check the brake fluid level to ensure it is within the specified range. Add the same type of brake fluid if the level is too low. Additionally, check the color and texture of the brake fluid; if it turns black, murky, or smells bad, it means the brake fluid has degraded and should be replaced immediately.
Brake Cables and Tubes:
Inspect the outer casing of the brake cables for any damage, cracks, or signs of aging, and replace them if necessary. For hydraulic brake systems, check the brake fluid tubes for leaks, twists, or wear to ensure they are clear and unobstructed.
Lubrication
Moving Parts Lubrication:
Apply a water-resistant, high-temperature lubricant sparingly to moving parts of the brake system, such as brake levers and caliper pivots, to reduce friction between components and improve brake sensitivity and feel. Be careful not to let lubricants come into contact with brake pads and rotors.
Piston Lubrication:
For pistons in hydraulic brake systems, apply a thin layer of silicone-based grease to keep them moving smoothly. Be cautious not to contaminate the seals during installation.
Adjustment and Testing
Brake Travel Adjustment:
If the brakes feel too soft or too hard, adjust the tension of the brake cables or the brake fluid pressure in hydraulic brake systems. For mechanical brake systems, turn the adjustment screws on the brake cable housing to adjust travel; for hydraulic brake systems, use professional tools and equipment for adjustments.
Braking Performance Test:
In a safe environment, test the braking performance to check if the brakes are responsive and effective. Perform emergency stops at different speeds to feel the strength and response of the brakes, ensuring the system can stop the vehicle when needed.