Problems with brakes

[militantmandy]

Aright folks, need some adivce. Basically, my front brake (Giant MPH 2) is utterly pants. As in nnext to useless. I've changed the pads and disc (had spares) and it made no difference. Does this mean the need bled, or is there anything else I can try?

Cheers!

[craig_s]

Does the lever feel like it should? When you pull it does it feel spongy or travel a long way before anything happens?
Bleeding is probably the next step to take, it's not as difficult as you might think.

[militantmandy]

It does feel fairly spongey. I suppose i'll just have to man up and give it a go! Thanks for the advice.

[craig_s]

Youtube is handy for learning how to do it. There will be plenty of videos giving you a step by step guide on bleeding them. Let us know how you get on!

[militantmandy]

craig_s said:

Youtube is handy for learning how to do it. There will be plenty of videos giving you a step by step guide on bleeding them. Let us know how you get on!

Cheers! Will do. Seems like the bleeding kit is pretty cheap as well which is a anice surprise!

[craig_s]

Good luck!
Just don't get fluid on the discs or pads otherwise it's back to square one.

[militantmandy]

Got the kit yesterday. Need to get som fluid off my mate. Hopefully, all will be well by tomorrow!

[pdV6]

Make sure you get the right sort of fluid.

[militantmandy]

Indeed. Borrowed my mates, it's 5.1 and I need 4. Bugger. Suppose i'll have to stump up for some!

[militantmandy]

Out of interest, what (and I promise not to test) problems would arise from using the wrong fluid?

[pdV6]

Leaky seals usually.

[militantmandy]

pdV6 said:

Leaky seals usually.

I wonder if thats why it was buggered in the first place. Seemed to deteriorate after a service.

[johnnyboy666]

You will be fine using 5.1 fluid as opposed to 4. only difference with 5.1 is that it withstands higher heats. It wont cause any problems with your seals so no need to buy anything else. Hope barkes say on the top caps that they take both types of fluids and if I recall correctly the Giant MPH brakes are basically an old Hope C2 brake.