Cleaning Maguras

[FDS2223]

My maguras have been acting kind of shitty, when I use the dial only one side moves out. I figure a good cleaning should fix the problem but I want to know what the best way to do it is. My idea was to just let them sit in alcohol for a while then scrub them down a bit, but maybe something else works better?

[aki]

Clean around the slave cylinder including the piston that's stuck (hold the loose one while pulling the lever) with mild soapy water. If you've been using the TPA a lot then I would re-bleed and the brake should work smooth again.

[FDS2223]

Thanks for the quick response. Coincidentally I'm going to make my first order from your site tonight and I sent you a PM with a quick question.

[Acolyte]

...when I use the dial only one side moves out...

Can't say I remember ever using the TPA and having both slaves move properly/evenly.

Don't use the dial. Set up brakes without using TPA = win.

[FDS2223]

Well this is a fairly new issue, they have always both moved out the same distance before. I do try to set up my brakes properly but I think I have shitty brakes clamps because after a few rides I swear the cylinders get pushed a certain distance away from the rim, forcing me to use the TPA. I know everyone says not to use it but it hasn't caused me any trouble so far.

[johnglazer]

Tighten the bolts more?

[FDS2223]

I tighten them until they wont turn anymore, It could also be that the little plastic ring on the cylinders is to worn.

Eventually I will buy new brake clamps and replace the rings but I keep forgetting about it when I am ordering the other stuff that I need.

[KeepRollin]

What clamps do you have? I used to have a similar problem where one side wouldn't stay parallel to the rim no matter what I did. I was using the standard 4-bolt clamp. I got one of the CNC clamps and everything went away.

[FDS2223]

Some old magura clamps.

Ill probably get these when I get new ones.

http://www.trialsin.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_35_48&products_id=109

[KeepRollin]

Word those are the ones I got, nice.

[johnglazer]

Yeah, actually I recently had a problem with the plastic compression ring thingy and when I replaced that, the cylinder didn't move anymore.

[Rodmunch]

My maguras have been acting kind of shitty, when I use the dial only one side moves out. I figure a good cleaning should fix the problem but I want to know what the best way to do it is. My idea was to just let them sit in alcohol for a while then scrub them down a bit, but maybe something else works better?

If you do clean them, don't use alcohol. It will dry out the rubber seals and make them useless.