Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic Disc Brakes - Possible Leak

[tripoli]

Hi there, this '09 Rockhopper has the above said brakes as standard. I have been out on three spins - the first, brakes were fine - the second, the rear a little noisey - the third, rear brakes were so bad i had to switch front pads to back and vice versa to finish the spin (which worked fine on the day)

The rear pads were moist and greasy which would suggest a leak maybe? I checked the rear pads last night and now they too appear to be the same. The caliper also looks to be quite grimey inside.

It is possible that the rear piston is leaking already? I don't think I sprayed oil on or around it / poured water over it and even if I did, the rear pad switch would have solved that problem??

I can see the pistons on each side of the caliper but cannot see any seal nor any obvious leak but the rotor is quite black which would suggest oil / contamination of some sort...

The rear brake lever is also very soft and doesn't feel as definate as the front lever either...

Any advice is greatly appreciated?

Brian

[Morgan]

Your theory about a leaking piston sounds very likely given what you describe. Since it's an 09 bike it'll still be under warranty - get in touch with the shop you bought it from (and make sure they replace your ruined brake pads too).

[paddyobrien]

hey brian,

its definitely sounds like the brake is leaking fluid, but i may be only when the brake is pulled that a small bit of fluid forces its way past the seals so you won't necesarily see a leak when its not in use .. or even when in use depending on how much is coming out. If the bike is only new i'd bring it back to the shop and they'll sort it out under warranty for you.

Paddy

[tripoli]

Thanks for the prompt replies lads.

I know hydraulic brakes are quite different from my old Avid V brakes :-) but would not have expected a leak so soon? Is this normal? Maybe a dodgy seal or would I have had to do something specific to make it leak so easily?

Two friends whose bikes are relatively new also haven't had any problems. Wonder is it luck of the draw or do you have to spend big money on Juicy 5's or 7's to get reliability?

Will take it back on Saturday morning so.

Thanks again.

[paddyobrien]

nah its just a luck of the draw type of defect i'd imagine ... can happen to any type of brake really

[Dempster]

Hope you get it sorted for sunday...looking forward to chasing your rear again! Tyre that is!!