[vtjim]

I got to the trail head today and put my front wheel on. I noticed that the pads were rubbing the rotor, a lot. The brakes felt very firm. I took the wheel off and squeezed the brake just a bit and the pads got closer together, but won't retract.

Do I need to bleed the brakes? Does this signify a more significant problem? They're Hayes Nine and I've had them on the bike for about 1 and a half to two years, never been bled.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[FR4life.]

You should be able to spread them with a screwdriver and pump the brake. Usually helps. Be careful not to chip the pads though..

 

[w00dy]

You probably compressed the brake lever with the wheel off the bike. This happens, and is no big deal, just kind of a pain.

With the bike upright and the brake lever uncompressed, slip a clean (no oil or grease) thin tool (flathead screwdriver is most common) in between the pads and gently pry them apart. Mount the wheel and grab the lever several times. You should be good after that.

Hayes use an open system, which means that when the lever is all the way out oil can flow freely to and from the reservoir. This allows the brakes to automatically adjust for brake fluid expansion due to heat during extended braking.

 

[vtjim]

Thanks for the advice guys, that did the trick. Just needed to open them up again. I must have inadvertantly pulled the brake lever moving the bike to/from the car.

 

[Tweety]

Thanks for the advice guys, that did the trick. Just needed to open them up again. I must have inadvertantly pulled the brake lever moving the bike to/from the car.

I find a thick gasket scraper, tire lever, or a bunch of credit cards works better than a screwdriver.

 

[vtjim]

I find a thick gasket scraper, tire lever, or a bunch of credit cards works better than a screwdriver.

I used a putty knife (wide thin type) to open them up. Then gently put applied pressure with a monkey bar to open them the rest of the way.