Wet brake fade...

[Vickon]

Hi, can someone tell why my Paso which has BREMBO full-floating rotors do not stop whenever they get wet? On dry weather conditions it stops excellent but as soon as they get wet they don't stop! Could it be the pads cristalyzed or too old? They still look with life left on them for a while which is why I haven't changed them since I don't ride on wet weather conditions. But if rains surprises me on a ride I am in trouble! Any responses or suggestions will be certainly appreciated! I just sold the bike and will be picked up by the new owner tomorrow and I want to let him know about the suggestions although I already told him that for some reason as soon as the pads get wet the bike won't stop!

Thanks to all of you who respond in one way or another!

Regards,

Jose

[Finnpaso]

U didnt tell enough details about brake system!

Are those full floaters stainlees steel? If so, then those are very "slippery" in wet conditions. That is normal for stainless steel rotors, like 907 had.

Do You have still old 2 piston normal Brembos? If so, then that is one reason for bad baraking(compared to 4 piston systems)

Whatkind brake pads You have? Many combinations in hole world and some are not so good ones with rotors, U have...

I think, Your problem is connected to wrong bads/right rotors.....

[jcslocum]

It's the pad material. You will need to know what it is and then order something more approppriate.

[nilaus]

I have been experiencing the same problem and hope to make some changes to help this. As you write, it is a bit of a frightening the first time you brake that simply nothing happens. I have the standard configuration with steel disks and the original callipers. But I am not sure of the pads what kind that they are. As you also write there are know problems in the dry. So if any one has some helpful hints, it would be appreciated. I live in Denmark where the weather is changeable. So it is essential that my brakes work, whet or dry.

Regards
Klaus
PASO 750 1990
Denmark

[Vickon]

Hi Antti, thanks! Brake rotors are stainless! not iron. Pads, I don't know I haven't replace them. Can you recommend which ones for the stainless steel free-floating? I have the original calipers for the 87 Ducati Paso, but like I say before they brake excellent under dry condition. Once again, thanks for your input and advice!

Best Regards,

Jose

[nilaus]

My brake rotors are iron, and i still have fading in the wet.

[jcslocum]

You don't have fade really but a failure to grip. This is probably due to the temperature of the pad material when it's cool in the rain. Go to the any of the brake pad sites and see what they offer for street compounds that go with your rotor material.

[Duc750]

Any HH compound pad will Improve it but will also shorten the disc life. Try Galfer or EBC
When braking in the wet try adjusting your techinque too.
Apply the brake gently at first, this will allow the pads to contact lightly with the disc and remove some of the water before you apply more braking force.
If the pads are applied to the disc quickly and strongly first (risky in the wet but its all relative) then you can trap water between the Disc and th pad. Even this small amount of water will reduce the brake performance considerably for 4-5 wheel revolutions.

[nilaus]

I usually apply a little pressure, as you write, just to dry the discs, but this is ridicules. It is as if the bike is accelerating rather than braking, if you know what I mean. On my previous bikes, it hasn’t been that a deal. But I will have a try with the pads next season. And thanks for the help.

Regards
Klaus
PASO 750 1990

[ducinthebay]

I had this experience with Galfer Green pads. Loved them in the dry, but they were horrible in the wet. Changed them to EBC HH and they are much more predictable in the wet.

Cheers,