Ask the Editors: How to Combat Mushy-Feeling Brakes
We’re glad you decided to write in rather than just go out and purchase all new OEM brake components. More often than not, especially if the brakes are only a season old, it is not an issue of wear or even manufacturer quality but rather a matter of setting or improper burn-in.
Let’s start with the most basic- brakes that worked well but suddenly feel like squishing mashed potatoes at the lever are usually due to be bled. Air works its way into the (supposed-to-be) sealed hydraulic system and braking feel becomes compromised immediately. Follow your owner’s manual instructions on how to perform a brake bleed if you don’t know how already. Of course, this would also be the time to make sure your brake fluid is at the proper level and fairly clear/ liquidy. If it’s low, this can affect braking performance. If it’s black or tar-like, flush out the system and start clean.
If all of this checks out but you’re still not satisfied with braking feel, pop the pads out of the calipers and examine the pad material. Look for a shiny metallic-looking sheen on the surface of the pads themselves. If you see this, it means that the brakes weren’t properly burned in when they were first installed. There is a simple fix however:
Grab some 200-grit sandpaper and work the pads in small circular motions until you’ve worn away that smooth surface layer of film. Then pick up a bottle of automotive brake cleaner and blast the rotors and the caliper assembly. Reinstall the freshly sanded pads and proceed to burn them in as if brand new again.
The method for burn in we usually recommend is to Perform 5 to 7 stops from approximately 15mph with moderate pressure. Make an additional 2 to 3 hard stops from approximately 25mph. Make sure not to allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop when doing this. When you complete this process, park the ATV and allow the brakes to cool completely before riding again.
These steps should get your brakes feeling progressive and powerful once again.
