As of this writing, it appears most enthusiasts will obtain 4000-5000 miles of use from a set of brake pads. The best way to check the remaining life of a Formula brake pad is to precede each brake pad adjustment with a loosening of the adjusting screw. With a new pad installed the adjustment screw can only be backed off a bit more than one-half (1/2) turn before you feel increased resistance as the pad bottoms out against a rubber 0-ring. It is important not to turn the wrench beyond this "soft stop" as pinching the 0-ring will instantly open the system (a wet wrench is the sign you've lost the system's integrity). After loosening the adjustment screw to the soft stop (where it contacts the 0-ring), count the turns required to tighten the brake pad against the rotor. If two-and-three-quarter (2-3/4) turns---or more-are required, the pad is worn out and should be replaced. Unlike a car, where a worn out pad will score the rotor, a worn out Formula pad will result in fluid loss that occurs after the adjustment screw is threaded too far inward.
While replacing the pads sooner might seem prudent, because new pads can require 200- 400 miles of use before becoming fully seated, it is best to stick with the old pads until there are at least two-and-a-quarter (2- 1/4) full revolutions of adjustment screw travel.
Necessary Tools
Flat-bladed screwdriver
New set of brake pads
2mm Allen wrench
To replace a worn set of pads:
1) Loosen the cable completely.
2) Loosen each pad to the soft stop. Warning- Loosening past the soft stop will open the system
3) Remove the rear wheel.
4) To remove an old pad, put a flat-bladed screwdriver under the edge of the pad and pry upward. Formula brake pads snap in and out exactly like the snap on the front of a pair of jeans. ,
5) Snap the new pad in place by pressing against it with the flat face of the screwdriver.
6) Insert the wheel.
7) Tighten each pad using the adjustment screw until it hits the rotor, and then loosen it one-half (1/2) turn.
8) If the pad still rubs, it is only touching on one edge or comer and with a few miles of use with aggressive braking, the protruding edge will wear away.
9) Carry the 2 mm Allen wrench with you on your next few rides so that you can take up the slack as the pads become seated. Important: always loosen the cable (see Chapter 3) before adjusting the pads.
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