Wisper brakes

[the_killjoy]

The front disk brake on my Wisper 905SE has never been very good so I thought that before replacing the mechanical with a hydraulic I would try a new set of pads; they did not mae any difference unfortunately.

But one funny I did notice that whilst they did not have a great deal of affect when pushing the bike forward they did if I pulled it bakckwards, any suggestions as to why?

 

[flecc]

But one funny I did notice that whilst they did not have a great deal of affect when pushing the bike forward they did if I pulled it bakckwards, any suggestions as to why?

Could be the grain of the pad material and any "tail" developed with use. When used backwards it would be against the way the grain had set and more inclined to bind.

If that's the case, swap the two pads side to side keeping the top the same way up and then forward braking will be the same as backwards at present, better. However, it may not last as the pads resettled to the new direction.
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[the_killjoy]

No these are new pads, the affect is like that of a single leading brake shoe only working in 1 direction.

 

[flecc]

In that case I can only think of instability that causes a rocking motion when in the reverse direction, giving leading-edge bite.
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[the_killjoy]

Stripped it down, cannot find anything obviously wrong. I think I will just get a different mechanical calliper and see how that goes.

 

[Simon Rafferty]

I would say your caliper has deformed. It should provide exactly the same stopping torque forward or reverse. The only thing that would change that is the pads not being square to the disc. Granted uneven wear on the pads would result in the same - but it begs the question why the pads would be worn unevenly - which leads to the same conclusion!

I've come across some chinese cable operated calipers that are made of chocolate! I have a good quality Shimano cable caliper that I actually bought from Halfords a long time ago - it's been so good, I've moved it from bike to bike.

Since your life may depend on it - I think brakes are the one thing I would not skimp on!

Si

 

[the_killjoy]

I am going to change to a Shimano, that seems to be a good option.