MTB Disk Brake shudder/ vibrations at very low speed

[Matuka]

Hi so I know there are a hundred threads about disk brake shudder and I have read them all and tried most things. I have the promax decipher (very much entry level) brake set. The one thing that I think makes mine slightly different is that I get very bad vibrations and shudder even at very very low speed. It happens when the brakes are cold as well. I can literally be crawling at less than walking pace down a hill and the whole bike feels like its going to shake itself to bits. Does this narrow down what the issue is and mean that the pads are sticking to the rotor and causing the vibration? I have cleaned the rotor countless times and aligned the pads and even sanded them gently but the issue persists. Is it worth trying to replace the brake calipers and rotors with a slightly better set? On the plus side I am now much faster when I ride because I never brake anymore because it sounds like I'm slaughtering a turkey.    

[SwissVan]

Hi so I know there are a hundred threads about disk brake shudder and I have read them all and tried most things. I have the promax decipher (very much entry level) brake set. The one thing that I think makes mine slightly different is that I get very bad vibrations and shudder even at very very low speed. It happens when the brakes are cold as well. I can literally be crawling at less than walking pace down a hill and the whole bike feels like its going to shake itself to bits. Does this narrow down what the issue is and mean that the pads are sticking to the rotor and causing the vibration? I have cleaned the rotor countless times and aligned the pads and even sanded them gently but the issue persists. Is it worth trying to replace the brake calipers and rotors with a slightly better set? On the plus side I am now much faster when I ride because I never brake anymore because it sounds like I'm slaughtering a turkey.

Disk brakes don’t you love them

 

Do not miss

 

Coming soon to a road bike near you

 

????

[T-Bag68]

It could be a number of things, as you have listed a number of them, It could also be a slightly bent rotor, This can stop  the pad from getting an even grip. Have you made sure the caliper is tight.? you can defiantly feel the difference between entry level and slightly more expensive variations. this shuddering can spoil your ride, so sounds like a better set might be the answer.

 

Good luck 

[Bateleur1]

Good luck on the best thing since sliced bread ... aka disk brakes ... nooot.  Ok that was my bitching for the day.

 

First question, is it new brakes or have they had some wear and tear.  I had the same problem recently but it was also time to replace the disks and that sorted the issue.

[Allrounder]

I would say replace your pads with new ones. run them in as you should. and that would probably make it better. 

 

Are you sure your discs are straight? 

[SwissVan]

Check your head set is not loose ( has play when you hold the front brake on and try move the handle bars forwards, you should not feel any play in the headset).

 

What type of pad material do you have now, Maybe try a different type of brake pad with a “softer” organic material

[Psyrax]

Sounds like a calliper is not alligned properly with the rotor and dragging all the time and causing the "MTB Mating Call".

[ABrooks]

It is something I wanted to try on my previous set of brakes, but I got a new set and it went away. Try putting plastic washers between the caliper and the mounting, my working theory is that the vibration of the rotor and caliper is the same as the natural frequency of the frame causing resonance.

 

I don't know if it will work, just something I wanted to try out. The other option would be to brake less .

 

It is a picture I found on the interwebs, but it shows the washer between the bolt head and caliper.

[Duane_Bosch]

It is something I wanted to try on my previous set of brakes, but I got a new set and it went away. Try putting plastic washers between the caliper and the mounting, my working theory is that the vibration of the rotor and caliper is the same as the natural frequency of the frame causing resonance.

 

Bizarre as it sounds my one mate had this problem on a Devinci Wilson. Multiple rotors, pads and brakes later he swapped out the 200mm rotor for a 180mm. Problem solved.

 

I do think that's a bit of a last resort tho.

[Schnavel]

Sounds like a calliper is not alligned properly with the rotor and dragging all the time and causing the "MTB Mating Call".

 

You just made my day! 

 

OP, as many have suggested, check your alignment of the caliper, as well as the disk. It may be that the rotor is warped badly - I have had to change a rotor before to prevent the noise.

[MudLark]

It is something I wanted to try on my previous set of brakes, but I got a new set and it went away. Try putting plastic washers between the caliper and the mounting, my working theory is that the vibration of the rotor and caliper is the same as the natural frequency of the frame causing resonance.

 

I don't know if it will work, just something I wanted to try out. The other option would be to brake less .

 

It is a picture I found on the interwebs, but it shows the washer between the bolt head and caliper.

Capture.PNG

 

Logical. Car brake pads often have such an anti-squeal pad on the metal backing that mates to the hydraulic ram.

[Dirkitech]

Hi so I know there are a hundred threads about disk brake shudder and I have read them all and tried most things. I have the promax decipher (very much entry level) brake set. The one thing that I think makes mine slightly different is that I get very bad vibrations and shudder even at very very low speed. It happens when the brakes are cold as well. I can literally be crawling at less than walking pace down a hill and the whole bike feels like its going to shake itself to bits. Does this narrow down what the issue is and mean that the pads are sticking to the rotor and causing the vibration? I have cleaned the rotor countless times and aligned the pads and even sanded them gently but the issue persists. Is it worth trying to replace the brake calipers and rotors with a slightly better set? On the plus side I am now much faster when I ride because I never brake anymore because it sounds like I'm slaughtering a turkey.    

What do you clean the rotors with?

have you tried difference pads?

[DieselnDust]

I've experienced this generally when the rotors are worn. the rotors develop deep score lines that causes the pads to wear unevenly. Cleaning up the pads and rotors doesn't help because the rotors brake surface is damaged. Check them out by running a finger nail across. If it feels like a vinyl LP then its time to replace

[Headshot]

Disk brakes don’t you love them

 

Do not miss

 

Coming soon to a road bike near you

 

 

 

I'd love top go back to V Brakes on my enduro bike. That lever feel and control when slowing down from 50k/h on a sketchy surface is sorely missed. Damn these engineers and designers - just trying to make a quick buck.

[SwissVan]

I'd love top go back to V Brakes on my enduro bike. That lever feel and control when slowing down from 50k/h on a sketchy surface is sorely missed. Damn these engineers and designers - just trying to make a quick buck.

Quick put your flame suit on!!!

 

I have some second hand shimano 2004 or 2005 XTR STI mtb brakes (complete set) looking for a home.

You just need to arrange and pay for the shipping.

I could be persuaded to include the bike they are attached to as well..... old S Works Epic.

[Headshot]

Quick put your flame suit on!!!

 

I have some second hand shimano 2004 or 2005 XTR STI mtb brakes (complete set) looking for a home.

You just need to arrange and pay for the shipping.

I could be persuaded to include the bike they are attached to as well..... old S Works Epic.

Dont worry, I've a set of LX V's and levers  - such a pity my 2018 frame and forks dont have post mounts for V's, and no braking surface on those silly rims....