Common Issues with SRAM Code Brakes and How to Fix Them

SRAM Code brakes are a popular choice among mountain bikers due to their powerful stopping capability and reliability. However, like any mechanical system, they can encounter issues that affect performance. Here are some common problems riders face with SRAM Code brakes and tips on how to address them.

1. Spongy Lever Feel

Problem: A spongy brake lever feel is often caused by air in the hydraulic system.

Solution: Bleeding the brakes is the primary solution. This involves removing any trapped air from the brake lines to restore a firm lever feel. Regular bleeding is necessary to maintain optimal performance, especially if you notice the lever feel degrading over time. Bleed kits 

2. Sticky Pistons

Problem: Dirt and grime can cause the pistons in the caliper to stick, leading to uneven pad movement or pad rub. Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the pistons can solve this issue. Remove the pads and use isopropyl alcohol to clean the pistons. Then, apply a small amount of DOT brake fluid to lubricate them. Repeating this process until the pistons move smoothly can greatly improve braking performance.

3. Brake Noise

Problem: Squealing or vibrating brakes are often due to contaminated pads or rotors. Solution: Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol and lightly sand the pads to remove any contaminants. In some cases, switching to a different pad material, such as resin or organic pads, can reduce noise. Ensuring the caliper is properly aligned can also help minimize vibrations.

SRAM CODE FACTORY RACING BRAKE PADS 

4. Power Loss

Problem: Reduced braking power can result from worn-out pads, contaminated pads or rotors, or air in the hydraulic system. Solution: Check the pads and replace them if they are worn below the recommended thickness. Clean the rotors and pads, and bleed the brakes to remove any air from the system. Regular maintenance, including pad replacement and system bleeding, is crucial to maintain braking power.

5. Lever Pulls to Handlebar

Problem: If the brake lever pulls all the way to the handlebar, it could indicate air in the system or worn-out pads. Solution: Start by bleeding the brakes to ensure there is no air in the system. If the pads are worn, replace them. Adjusting the pad contact point can also help to ensure the lever engages the brake sooner.

6. Rapid Pad Wear

Problem: Pads wearing out quickly can be due to misalignment, contamination, or aggressive riding conditions. Solution: Regularly de-glaze the pads using fine-grit sandpaper and clean the rotors to ensure a smooth braking surface. Align the calipers correctly to avoid uneven pad wear. Considering your riding conditions, you might need to replace pads more frequently if you ride in muddy or wet conditions often.

Tips for Squeal-Free Brakes

1. Contamination: Clean the brake pads and rotors regularly to prevent oil, dirt, and grease from causing noise.
2. Glazed Pads/Rotor: Sand down glazed surfaces on pads and Scotch Brite rotors to restore proper contact. (do not use grit or aggressive sand paper on rotors)
3. Pad Material: Choose the right pad material for your riding conditions. Organic pads are quieter, while metallic pads offer better performance but can be noisier when cold or wet.
4. Rotor Design: Ensure your rotor design matches your performance needs. Vented or drilled rotors can help with heat dissipation but might be noisier more holes can cause more vibration less holes create more heat.
5. Alignment: Properly align the caliper with the rotor to avoid uneven contact and vibrations.
6. Bed-In Process: Follow the correct bed-in procedure for new pads and rotors to ensure optimal performance and noise reduction.

Addressing Air in the System

Problem: Air in the system can cause the brakes to feel like the pads are fading. This is usually caused by sticking pistons creating too much heat and cooking the hydraulic system, leading to vibrations and that terrible squeal. Solution: Bleeding the brakes is essential to remove air from the system. Ensure the pistons are clean and moving freely to prevent excessive heat buildup. Proper setup and regular maintenance are crucial to prevent air from entering the system.

Weak or Lazy Pistons

Problem: Weak or lazy pistons, often caused by dirt and brake dust, can cause uneven pad contact with the rotor. This leads to vibrations and squeal. Solution: Regularly clean the pistons and ensure they move freely. If a piston is sticking, clean it thoroughly and apply DOT brake fluid for lubrication. Proper maintenance will prevent lazy pistons and ensure even braking performance.

Noise vs. Squeal

Noise: It's normal for brakes to make noise for about 1-5 seconds when cold or wet, but this should become silent once they heat up. Squeal: This is caused by contamination, poor brake alignment, sticking pistons, or air inside the system. Squeal is ultimately a brake issue, not a brake pad issue, and proper setup is crucial.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the brake components clean from dirt and grime. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the rotors and calipers regularly.
• Avoid Automotive Brake Cleaner: Do not use automotive brake cleaner as it can leave a residue on the rotors.
• Proper Bleeding: Learn the correct bleeding procedure and perform it regularly to maintain a firm lever feel.
• Correct Pad Selection: Choose the right type of pads for your riding conditions. Resin pads are quieter, while metallic pads offer better performance in wet conditions.
• Check for Contamination: Ensure that the rotors and pads are free from oil and other contaminants. Avoid using spray lubricants near the brake components.
• Cleaning Precautions: When cleaning your bike, ensure oil from the drivetrain doesn't hit your brakes. While silicone sprays are great for protecting your bike, they can contaminate your brakes. Some bike cleaners can also cause contamination. Use guards and covers to protect your brakes while cleaning—this is good practice to avoid contamination.

Four-Piston Brakes

Four-piston brakes are excellent and super powerful but do need more TLC than two-piston brakes. Like everything, they need to be regularly maintained and serviced. In our experience, SRAM makes amazing brakes, but you do have to look after them. This principle applies to all brakes from all manufacturers—nothing works perfectly forever, so to stay safe, look after your brakes.

Conclusion

SRAM Code brakes, while robust and powerful, require regular maintenance to perform at their best. By addressing common issues such as spongy lever feel, sticky pistons, brake noise, power loss, lever pulling to the handlebar, and rapid pad wear, you can ensure your brakes remain reliable and effective. Regular maintenance and timely interventions are key to keeping your SRAM Code brakes in top condition, allowing you to enjoy a smooth and safe ride on any trail.