Resurface MTB Rotors Tips in Sixty Video.
Learn how to quickly resurface your rotors for improved performance by removing pad glaze.
Whether from heat saturation or contamination occasionally riders will need to resurface rotors.
Signs that your rotors need to be resurface include being visibly darker, less total power, as well as noise under use as they heat up. Heat noise is typically a screech or squeak, opposed to contamination noise which generally sounds more like a goose honking.
What You Need
This is a simple task, accomplished with inexpensive window cleaner as well as wet / dry sandpaper. Generally we use ~200 grit sandpaper. Smoother will take longer, more aggressive will create extra noise from larger chunks of grit knocking loose. Within reason the grit isn’t too important to the final result.
What You Do
First wet the rotor with your ammonia based window cleaner.
Next rotate the wheel with your sandpaper folded in half to resurface both sides of the rotor. Repeat a couple times. The window cleaner will retain more of it’s original color as the surface is cleaned. Typically two or three repetitions will resurface the rotor.
The final step is to ride the bike with the brakes half applied to burn off the excess window cleaner. Obviously you should ensure proper brake function and power before riding!
What’s Next?
Riders constantly burning rotors may find the additional heat capacity of larger rotors a good option. Four piston brakes are another option for riders who want more power.
*BikeCo.com takes no responsibility for your mechanical aptitude. If you have ANY doubts about your mechanical ability we suggest using a competent resource for bike service. These tips are posted to help riders with specific issues. If you are unable to competently diagnose your issue use a qualified resource. All systems should be tested and confirmed safe prior to resuming normal riding.