Update (07/03/2016): The problems with Shimano brake pads are not yet over. We are still receiving letters from readers describing cases of sudden loss of braking power. The cause of the loss of braking power was always the same in the cases described: the friction pad came loose from the backing plate during the ride and fell out of the disc brake completely. Without the pad, there is a larger gap to the disc. During the next braking operation, the brake lever can be pulled through to the handlebars without any braking effect. Sudden brake failure occurs without warning and can have serious consequences. According to Shimano (see comment below), only pads of the type F03C Metal affected. The experience reports are always similar to this one:
"Now it's happened to me too: Without warning, without any signs, I suddenly have no more braking effect!!! I pumped the brakes 8 times and some braking effect returned - but there was also a nasty scraping and grinding noise.... I managed to get home with one brake (that's possible here in Berlin - no steep gradients...). At home, the sobering diagnosis: a brake pad is missing! Only the heat spreader and the pad plate are still attached to the screw, the actual pad: gone...I use my 29er every day, but only here in Berlin. It's hard to imagine what could have happened..." BIKE reader Tobias H., on 02.03.2016 by email
Have you also had this or similar experiences with Shimano brake pads or pads from other manufacturers? Leave us a message in the comments box below or send us an e-mail to: hotline@bike-magazin.de, subject: "Brake pad".
Whether the problem only affects a small batch of pads has not yet been clarified. In the cases known to us, sintered (metal) pads from Shimano were always affected. For the current disc brakes of the following model series: XTR, XT, SLX, Deore there are three versions of sintered linings:
F03C Metal
G03S Metal
G03Ti Metal
We asked Shimano importer Paul Lange for a statement. So far, Shimano has only said:
"The problem only affects sintered pads with cooling fins, model F03C. No other models are affected. So far, only a very small number of brake pads have been returned due to this problem. Shimano has re-examined the design, material and production processes of this brake pad and found that only a very small quantity is affected. In addition to the very low failure rate, these brakes also have a so-called 'self-centring' mechanism: the automatic adjustment of the pads in the event of wear. Even if the F03C pad comes off the backing plate, a certain amount of deceleration is possible after a second pull on the brake lever. Due to the self-centring mechanism in our brakes and the very low number of faulty brake pads, Shimano sees no need for further action regarding the products on the market. Nevertheless, Shimano recommends that customers with these problems visit the relevant dealer and exchange the pads within the Shimano warranty. This will help us to continue to monitor the problem and assess whether further action is necessary."
BIKE stayed on the subject and asked again.
Interview with Rudy Bouwmeester from Shimano
BIKE: In the cases known to BIKE, the pad detached from the backing plate without warning and fell out of the brake. Emergency braking was only possible after pumping the lever several times. Wouldn't a recall be appropriate for safety reasons?
Rudy Bouwmeester: How often you have to pump in such a case depends on the lever setting. Based on the risk assessment and the information we have, no further preventive measures are necessary. However, we are monitoring the problem very closely.
Is only a certain batch of F03C sintered pads affected, and is there any way of identifying them in advance?
The number of defective rubbers is so small (four out of 100,000 sold) that we cannot narrow it down to one batch. In the known cases, there are no characteristics that could be used to identify affected rubbers in advance. If the pads have already been used extensively, you can be pretty sure that nothing is wrong.
Does it make sense to change from sintered to organic pads?
We see no reason to do so. We advise customers to replace defective pads with a new set of Shimano pads within the Shimano warranty period.
Are customers officially allowed to use non-brand rubbers?
We refer to the relevant operating instructions and warranty provisions. For the best performance, we recommend original Shimano components.
Have you also had this or similar experiences with Shimano brake pads or pads from other manufacturers?
Leave us a message in the comment field below or send us an e-mail to: hotline@bike-magazin.de, subject: "Brake pad".
