FAQ

1. Rating: +1

   

   Where can I buy replacement pads and small parts for my Formula Disc Brakes?

   Spare parts for your brakes are readily available from a number of different places.  First off, any of your local bike shops or online retailers can order ANY part for you if they do not to stock it already.  Second, you can order many small parts directly from Formula USA.  This can be done either on our webstore or by calling us in the office at 707.765.2770.

2. Rating: +0

   

   What type of fluid do my Formula brakes use and where can I get it?

   Formula Brakes come stock with a High Performance DOT 4 fluid.  We strongly recommend using DOT 4 when bleeding you brakes.  DOT fluid is available from your local auto parts store, but if you want a better selection of High Performance fluids you may be better off checking out a Motorcycle store.  Formula Brakes are compatible with any glycol based DOT fluid, which includes DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1.  DO NOT use DOT 5!!  It is silicone based and not compatible with the seals in your brake.

3. Rating: +0

   

   What types of pads are available for my brakes and which is best for me?

   Conditions, rider weight and individual riding style can have a big impact on selecting the correct pad compound for your specific riding.  The recommendations found below are general guidelines. Formula offers 3 different types of pad compounds:

   • Organic w/steel backing plate (found stock on RX) - Best for general dry trail riding for average weight riders (below 170lbs).  Heavier riders, or those riding in wet conditions or with extended or very steep descents should use sintered metallic pads.

   
   

   • Organic w/alloy backing plate (found stock on R1) - Same as above except Alloy backing plates save approx 12g-15g per wheel.

   
   

   • Sintered Metallic w/steel backing plate (found stock on MEGA, TheONE) - Best for gravity applications, wet weather riding, aggressive descenders, or heavier riders (Over 170lbs).

4. Rating: +0

   

   My brakes are making noise, what can I do to fix that?

   Some noise with disc brakes is totally normal, especially in wet or cold conditions.  There are situations where excessive noise can point to an issue with the brake or with how the brake was set-up. Your local bike shop is a great place to start, an experienced mechanic will have a ear for brake noise and can help you diagnose the issue. If you are still having trouble, have your mechanic take a look at our disc brake noise primer in the tech section of our website or have them call us in the office at 707.765.2770.

5. Rating: +0

   

   How do I bleed my brakes and how often should this be done?

   Because DOT fluid is hydrophilic (water loving) and deteriorates over time, you should bleed your brakes at least once per year.  We strongly recommend bring your brakes to your local Formula dealer to have them perform this service.  If you are familiar with bleeding our brakes and need a refresher, have a look at our bleed instructions in our tech section.  Getting a proper bleed on your brakes is critical to their proper performance and your subsequent safety, if you have any doubts or confusion regarding the correct procedure or how to check for a successful bleed, STOP and take your bike/brakes to your local bike shop and have them contact us at 707.765.2770.

6. Rating: +0

   

   Why is a radial master cylinder better?

   For 2010 all Formula Disc Brakes use Radial Master Cylinders. They are lighter weight, stronger, stiffer and are an overall better design. It should be noted that Formula was the first Mountain Bike Disc Brake Company to start using radial master cylinders with our Evoluzione and B4 brake systems way back in the mid to late 90's.

7. Rating: +0

   

   Why is a one piece caliper better?

   One Piece calipers weigh less and are stiffer/stronger. There is no need for heavy fasteners used to hold the two caliper halves together since the caliper is manufactured in one piece as opposed to two. Also, through controlling the location of material on specific places on the caliper body, a stronger and stiffer caliper is realized.

8. Rating: +0

   

   I changed pads/rotors and now my brakes squeal. What happened?

   There are several possibilities.  The first thing you should check is to make sure you did not contaminate your pads or rotor with grease or other fluids. To clean off your rotors and pads, first remove the rotor from the hub and the pads from the caliper. Soak both in denatured alcohol for 30 seconds.  Then, using a fine grit sandpaper, gently sand the surface of the pads and the braking track on the rotor. Soak the pads again for 30 seconds, remove from the alcohol and let dry. Reinstall on your bike and give the system 2-5 rides to break in again. It is critical that you do not touch the rotor/readjust the caliper during this break in period. If you continue to have problems, see our Disc Brake Noise Primer document in the Tech Section of our website to address additional potential causes of noise.

9. Rating: +0

   

   I changed my pads and now my rotor rubs badly. What happened?

   There are potentially 2 different things going on:

   • First off, you could have too much fluid in your system. If the brake was bleed when the caliper pistons were partially activated or if they have not been bleed in over a year, this is likely the case. If you are familiar with the brake bleeding process, give your brakes a bleed per our bleed instructions which can be found in the tech section of our website. (Note: If you have never bleed your brakes before, take them down to your local bike shop for service). If you have bleed your brakes in the past year and simply think you have too much fluid in the system, use this procedure to removed the excess fluid. With your old brake pads still in the caliper, use a flat head screwdriver between the old pads (you will damage them) and pry them apart - effectively pushing the caliper piston all the way back into the caliper. Fold up a small piece of cardboard and shove it between the pads while they are fully spread apart and the pistons are full in the caliper. Next, situate your brake so that the bleed port on your master cylinder is pointing vertically and is also the high point of the system. Using a t15 Torx driver, remove your bleed port screw and catch the excess fluid which purges out with a rag. Close the bleed port back up, clean your brake off with denatured alcohol in there areas which came in contact with DOT and move on to step two of this procedure.

   
   

   • Second, you could need to clean/reset your caliper pistons. As your pads wear, your caliper pistons move in towards the rotor (as does their range of motion when they are activated). When this occurs, your caliper pistons become exposed to the elements - dirt, mud and brake dust. So when you reset your caliper pistons before inserting your new pads, the dirty exposed part of the piston is being forced back in contact with the caliper piston seals - an area of the piston where they have not been exposed to in a while. The pistons will have a tendency to want to creep back to the position they were in when the pads were worn.  Make sure that you have the correct amount of fluid in your system, and then gently work the pistons back and forth in the caliper. The best way to do this is with your old pads still in place. Pump the lever blade 3-5 times with nothing between the pads. Then insert a flat-head screwdriver between the pads and pry them apart - effectively pushing the caliper pistons all the way back in the caliper. Repeat this process 3-5 times. Your pistons should move freely at this point. If you continue to have issues with piston movement, please take your bike to your local bike shop or call us in the Formula Brake USA office at 707.765.2770.
     

10. Rating: +0

    

    Can I use non-Formula parts with my Formula Brakes such as aftermarket pads and rotors?

    We do not test any other products than our own with our brakes, therefore, we cannot recommend any aftermarket pads, rotors, lever blades or other parts.  We have seen many cases where using incorrect parts ended up causing damage to a brake system.  If damage is caused to your Formula Brake due to the use of a non-Formula part you will void your warranty.

11. Rating: +0

    

    Are ferrules/hose fittings/compression fittings from other brakes compatible with my Formula brakes?

    No. You must use Formula fittings with your formula brakes and hoses.