Tektro HD-e350 brake adjustment

[LaszloB]

I'm trying to figure out how to adjust my rear brakes. The rear brakes has very little grab, maybe 20% of the front. I can't even lock the rear wheel up in gravel. I've replaced the pads and that did nothing. The info about the brakes on Tektro web site is pretty limited. Other than adjusting the rear of the handle grips I can't figure out how to make the brake more aggressive

 

[Nova Haibike]

Hydraulic brakes are self adjusting; as the pads wear the pistons move inward to compensate, so there is no adjustment to them, so-to-speak. When you say they lack stopping power, does that include a spongy feel at the lever? Does the front feel firm and the rear mushy? That would indicate air in the system and the brake would need to be bled. If it feels firm at the lever and you have no stopping power, you might have a contaminated rotor.Did you clean the rotor before putting on the new pads? If not the dirty/oily rotor would ruin new pads.

 

[LaszloB]

Hydraulic brakes are self adjusting; as the pads wear the pistons move inward to compensate, so there is no adjustment to them, so-to-speak. When you say they lack stopping power, does that include a spongy feel at the lever? Does the front feel firm and the rear mushy? That would indicate air in the system and the brake would need to be bled. If it feels firm at the lever and you have no stopping power, you might have a contaminated rotor.Did you clean the rotor before putting on the new pads? If not the dirty/oily rotor would ruin new pads.

Thanks, Great info, not spongy.....I did clean the rotors. I'll go back and clean them again. They also just started squeaking, maybe they are contaminated

 

[J.R.]

Thanks, Great info, not spongy.....I did clean the rotors. I'll go back and clean them again. They also just started squeaking, maybe they are contaminated

Try bedding in your new pads. It makes a world of difference. Also getting the reach adjusted so the brake lever isn't hitting the handlebar at full lockup is important.

 

[LaszloB]

Thanks!

 

[Sierratim]

If the rotor was contaminated, the new pads are as well. They should also be cleaned with at least alcohol and then lightly sanded. A petroleum solvent may be necessary if the rotors were contaminated with any oil based product. I do both since I'm never sure.

 

[LaszloB]

Back to normal. I pulled the rear pads, and cleaned the rotor....and re bed them again. Work great. On other thing I did was adjust the grip outward. By doing this it gave me more pull. I didn't realize adjusting that would intensify the braking. I thought it was only and adjustment to fit your hands