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  • Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes sticking on?
  • AnyExcuseToRide
    Free Member

    I have a pair of these bad boys Hope Tech 3 E4 and recently the front has started sticking on, a lot. It got to the point that I am pedalling down hills so I thought I should do something about it, it also feels like the rear is starting to do the same now.

    To me it just seems like the pistons won’t retract, and slowly the brake stats to rub, building up to it being almost totally clamped on.

    What do we think the cause of it might be? The brake itself feels really good when pulled, not spongy or stiff or anything. I’ve had the pads out, pistons pushed almost out and lubed them up with a silicon based lube (as other posts suggest on this problem) however no joy, well it helps for a ride or two I guess.

    Other posts (for older Hope brakes) were suggesting replacing the seals and pistons but I can’t seem to find any for this model for sale.

    khani
    Free Member

    Could be the fluid has absorbed some moisture and is expanding when it gets hot and then pushing the pistons out, a bleed with fresh fluid (not old stuff that’s been sat for a while) should sort it out and if it doesn’t then check the seals,
    DOT brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and even though brakes are a sealed system it still happens over time,
    That’s why for MTB brakes it’s better buying small bottles rather than big ones cos once they’ve been opened the fluid will start absorbing moisture while it’s sat on a shelf in a damp garage or shed,

    chrishc777
    Free Member

    I had the same issue. Bled them with brand new fluid, worked pistons in and out, lubed them with brake fluid, no improvement. Spoke to Hope who suggested plumbers’ silicone grease so I got some silicone grease spray stuff, works a treat. Bit of a pain to strip pads out etc but doesn’t need doing often

    EDIT: This is the stuff:
    https://www.screwfix.com/p/wd-40-specialist-silicone-lubricant-400ml/86394

    Not cheap but one can will last forever

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    AnyExcuseToRide
    Free Member

    Cheers Chris and Khani!

    Khani – how would the water being in the fluid cause them to expand so much when heated? I’ve just had a mate over from Germany staying who has these brakes, using water as the brake fluid! Musn’t heat up that much surely?

    Brake Force One

    khani
    Free Member

    Like this

    Musn’t heat up that much surely?

    Spray some water on your disc at the end of a downhill, they get very hot, enough to boil whatever moisture is in the fluid and pump the system up.

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