I've just bought a 2007 gas gas txt 250 pro, took it out yesterday and all is good apart from i have noticed that bpth the front and back brakes feel really poor, they are not sharp at all. i did notice there is a little bit of movement on the disc which i am going to try and sort this week, but does anyone know how this issue could be solved? is it just a case of new brake pads or cud it be something else? the brakes don't sqeek when i press them which i though they would if the pads were on they're way out? and there doesn't seem to be leeks from any of the brake hoses?

thanks

Hi, and Welcome!

A few points; Firstly, there is supposed to be a bit of movement in the disc. Most trials bikes use a floating disc so this is quite normal. If you hold the front brake on and rock the bike backwards and forwards, it should feel like the headstock bearings are loose. This is OK; it's just the disc moving in it's mountings (unless the headstock bearings actually are loose, which is a bad thing!).

Secondly, does the lever feel firm? If it comes back to the bar, chances are the system needs bleeding. If it feels pretty firm, I'd change the pads. You'll find that pads make a huge difference and you can't run them very low before performance drops off sharply. They also don't last long (particularly the rears if you ride in the wet).

So, leave the disc alone, check the lever is firm (if not, search for vbrake bleeding on here), and change the pads.

Graham

thanks graham

yes the front lever feels firm, so from what you have said i think it must be the brake pads. i'll whack some new ones on this week an see what difference that makes.

thanks alot

I think that's the best starting point. Let me know if it cures it.

Graham

Just before you go to the trouble and expense of replacing the pads have you done the water trick ? Get the brakes up to temp (hot) and then wash of with clean water, do this a few times and you will probably find they are OK.

Couldnt that warp the Disk? or is that just an old wives tale. ha ha

ive spoken to the guy i got the bike off and he said the pads are fine, said there may just be a bit of oil on the dics and try giving them a clean. ill try that later and see what difference that makes

I tend to find that once pads are contaminated, you're in trouble. However, it costs nothing to try and clean them up!

i give it all a good clean the other night and the brakes now seem ok. see how i get on at weekend! i dindn't think a bit of water and brake fluid would make such a big difference