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(RANT): Shimano 4 pot brakes are crap

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Discussion starter · #22 ·
SingleSpeedSteven said:
You list 3 different brake sets that you own and call of them crap... maybe the problem isn't with the brakes.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Well, most, if not all, bike components are overpriced crap.

If cars had the same reliability and required the same constant maintenance as a bicycle, auto makers would be out of business.
 
#23 ·
I had issues with my XT M785 brakes, M785 levers with Zee calipers and M8000 levers with Zee calipers. I had 5 M785 levers leak where the plunger goes into the master cylinder, which allows air in, wandering bite. The M785 calipers had leaking pistons which contaminated the pads too, hence replacing with Zee calipers. When I was sick of the M785 levers I switched to M8000, which also leaked. I had one Zee caliper with a leaking piston too. I spent a fair bit of time cleaning the calipers and pistons so that they worked evenly, which isn't exclusive to Shimano but my current Code brakes require that about once a season. Lever bleeds with the funnel were a common part of pre-ride checks. I got sick of wondering if the brake lever was going to go to the bar or if it would work properly, so I switched them out for some Guide RSC on the bike I was riding at the time. I also experienced issues with the shimano pads after the bikes sat for the winter. I kept them in spare room in my home, and every spring the pads did nothing but make noise. They had absolutely no power, sometimes a bed in procedure would fix it, usually I had to replace the pads. I won't be buying more Shimano brakes anytime soon.
 
#24 ·
Can't relate. Have 9 or 10 year old sets of Saint and Zee brakes that have gone through more sets of pads & rotors than I care to count and they're still working flawlessly. I've actually had more problems with 2 piston Shimanos, had an M675 caliper start leaking and the same thing happened with an M596.
 
#26 ·
OP, is your axle or quick release tight per spec?

also, does the pinging noise happen while turning or when you lean side way only? Disc brakes have unbelievable tight tolerance. Mine does that from time to time.

for the wandering bite point, i have yet to experience it to the point that lever can squeeze to handle bar. That sounds like air in system needing nothing more than a burping exercise thats 5 minutes.
 
#27 · (Edited)
Usually the sound of wind rushing past my ears as I'm barreling down a mountain quiets the sound of any brake related noises I'd hear. :D

I have XT M8120's and I've never had an issue other than the rattle from the stupid finned brake pads, which I immediately replaced with no finned pads. These are the best brakes I've ever used. Period.

I'll add this observation though. Lower end brake rotors from Shimano will expand a bit when heated up and can cause a 'ping' against the caliper pads until they've cooled down.
 
#28 ·
Amt0571 said:
My old bike had M675 brakes that I bought to replace Avid Elixirs that were giving me trouble. They worked perfectly for 7 years with absolutely zero issues.

When I finally replaced that bike, a couple of years ago, It came with cheap MT400 that were not powerful enough, so after a couple of rides I put them on my urban bike (which had mechanical discs at that moment), and bought a pair of MT520 4-piston brakes.

The feel was great and they were powerful, just like my old M675. However, after a few rides the "ping ping ping" started. I adjusted the caliper, and after a couple of ride the pinging was there again. The rear brake also had the dreaded bite point issue. I bled them, cleaned the pistons, and they worked well afgain. For a couple of months.

Then it was pinging time again. I was so fed up with it I stopped at the middle of the trail to adjust it. I aligned the caliper, it was perfect. Then went over a bump and... ping ping ping. Stopped to adjust it again and after the second time I pulled the lever, ping ping ping, then came a bump: dzzzzzzk, dzzzzzzzzzzk, dzzzzzzzzzk.

WTF is happening with Shimano 4 piston brakes? they're giving me more trouble than the SRAM hydros on my road bike (which are also a POS that requires constant maintenance).

Meanwhile, the 30€ MT400 brakes that I put on my urban bike, still brake like crap but have given me exactly zero trouble.

Were they designed by the same engineer that designed Ultegra cranks that break in two? Do I have to buy Hope brakes to have something that brakes properly and doesn't require more maintenace work than a B-2 bomber?
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Mine have been really solid , I will say in terms of problems hopes have been the worse I've owned by a mile. I know those are low/base model brake sets which is fine my deores were awesome but what are the rotors like ?.
 
#29 ·
My Saints and Zees are absolutely flawless. I just bought a new bike that came with Codes. My Saints will be making the migration to that bike before summer, and they’re about 8 seasons old.
 
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#30 ·
The problems could be your frame not the brakes. Get the brake post on your frame faced and see if it goes away. If sound to me like you are having issues with calliper not quite sitting flat.
 
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Discussion starter · #33 ·
Loll said:
OP, is your axle or quick release tight per spec?

also, does the pinging noise happen while turning or when you lean side way only? Disc brakes have unbelievable tight tolerance. Mine does that from time to time.

for the wandering bite point, i have yet to experience it to the point that lever can squeeze to handle bar. That sounds like air in system needing nothing more than a burping exercise thats 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
I have thru axles on both wheels. The pinging is random. But when it starts it won't stop until I align the caliper again.
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
blk91 said:
Mine have been really solid , I will say in terms of problems hopes have been the worse I've owned by a mile. I know those are low/base model brake sets which is fine my deores were awesome but what are the rotors like ?.
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I'm using XT rotors. They're perfectly true as they're new.

I also tried with deore rotors with the same issue.
 
#37 ·
Add me to the 4-pot XT and SLX problem-free camp.

It’s funny how things are cyclical. Shimano brakes used to be awesome. Then they sucked because of wandering bite point issues. Now they are awesome again.

I have always thought they were awesome. Then again, I also love my Guide Ultimates. He11, I even peacefully coexist with the lowly Guide Ts on my fattie so don’t go by what I say.

Once again, I feel fortunate to not be experiencing problems which seem to take others to their knees.
 
#39 ·
Amt0571 said:
Well, most, if not all, bike components are overpriced crap.

If cars had the same reliability and required the same constant maintenance as a bicycle, auto makers would be out of business.
Click to expand...
If you start replacing some of your lightweight bike parts with some car parts, you will definitely get better performance and reliability, but your bike will weigh a lot more. People like to brag about how “high performance” their fancy bike is, but high performance comes with light weight parts, and minimal amount of brake fluid to operate system. Car parts address these durability issues differently.
 
#40 ·
Comparing a car meant for road use to a mountain bike is like apples to oranges.
Compare a proper off-road car (which is used off-road) to a MTB then come back here to report you lost all your money in a single session.

A better comparison is a road bike to a car, then you realize just how little to no maintenance is needed.
 
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