1. What type of fluid does Hayes use?

Use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. The use of any other type of fluid will damage your brake, and could cause your brake to fail. We recommend using DOT 4 brake fluid because it has a higher boiling point than the DOT 3 brake fluid.
Click here for more information on brake fluid.

2.  What do you do to stop squealing brakes?

Noise is very hard to track down. In most cases the noise is a result of the frame or fork mounts, or the hubs. In these cases there is not much that can be done other than replacing the frame, fork, or hub.

Please try the following steps to help quiet the brake.

• Remove the disc. Clean the disc mounting surfaces on the disc and hub. Install the disc and tighten the disc screws to 55 in-lbs.
   
• Remove the caliper and mount bracket if necessary.
  Clean the mount surfaces on the frame, mount bracket, and caliper. Install the caliper and mount bracket and tighten the mount screws to the proper torque. (There are different torques for different forks.)
   
• Switch the brake pads from front to rear and clean the disc with isopropyl alcohol.
   
• With a pair of pliers, squeeze the pad springs where they hook around the pad backing plate.
   
• Install a new set of pads and clean the disc with isopropyl alcohol.

3.  My brake is dragging. What should I do?

Push the caliper pistons back in their bores and center the caliper over the disc.

4.  How do I increase my lever throw?

Push the caliper pistons back into their bores. Before squeezing the lever, place a .015" shim on each side of the disc (2 business cards will work), between the disc and the brake pads. Squeeze the lever several times, until the brake pads contact the shims, with the shims in place. Remove the shims and squeeze the lever several more times. 

5.  How much does a full hydro brake system weigh?

An average Hayes hydraulic system weight around 410 grams. This includes the master cylinder, caliper, disc, hose, fluid, and hardware. See product page for specific system weights.

6.  What do I need to mount to my fork or frame?

Please refer to the frame and fork compatibility chart.

7.  How long should brake pads last?

Brake pads life depends on many different circumstances, such as riding style and riding conditions. Some Pro Downhillers can run the whole season on 2 sets of pads, while some cross country riders can get 2 full seasons on a set of pads.

8.  Is it normal for the disc to be discolored at the end of a downhill run?

Yes, your brakes can generate heat up to 300 degrees at the disc. This will discolor the disc, but will not harm the disc or change the stopping power.

9.  What is the difference between Sintered-Metallic and Semi-Metallic disc brake pads?

Please refer to the brake pad material comparison chart.

10.  Where can I find brake sets and Hayes replacement parts?

Any bike shop can order them. Please check with your local bicycle shop.

11.  I have no braking power, what is wrong?

There are 2 things that can cause a problem with braking power.
The first is a problem with the hydraulic system. This will be evident when you squeeze the lever and it goes to the handlebars. This could be caused by air in the system or by a leak. To fix this, bleed the system or repair the leak and bleed the system.
No power could also be caused by the pads being contaminated with oil. Once the pads are contaminated, there is no way to clean them. To fix this, replace the pads, and clean the disc with alcohol.

12.  I just got new pads, why don't I have any power?

It takes 20-30 hard stops to burnish the brake pads.