How to Prevent Premature Wear on Your Shimano SM-RT70 Disc Brakes and Extend Their Lifespan

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Shimano’s SM-RT70 [paid link] disc brake rotors are designed to deliver reliable stopping power for both road cyclists and mountain bikers. However, like all components, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure they remain in top condition over time. Premature wear can lead to decreased performance and a need for costly replacements. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices to extend the lifespan of your Shimano SM-RT70 [paid link] disc brakes, helping you maintain peak performance and avoid unnecessary repairs.

1. Regular Cleaning and Debris Removal

One of the most important steps in maintaining your Shimano SM-RT70 [paid link] disc brakes is keeping the components clean. Dirt, debris, and moisture can cause friction and accelerate wear on both the rotor and the brake pads.

How to Clean Your SM-RT70 Rotors:

  • Use a soft cloth or rag: After every ride, wipe down the rotors to remove any dirt or grime. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or solvents that can damage the brake pads or rotor surface.
  • Isopropyl alcohol: For deeper cleaning, you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean the rotor. Apply a small amount to a rag and wipe down the rotor’s surface to remove any oil or brake fluid buildup. This step is especially crucial if you notice any oily residue on the rotor, which can negatively impact braking performance.
  • Clean the surrounding area: Make sure to clean the caliper, brake pads, and surrounding frame areas to ensure that no dirt or debris compromises the braking system.

2. Proper Brake Pad Maintenance

The condition of your brake pads plays a significant role in the lifespan of your SM-RT70 rotors. Worn or damaged pads can cause increased friction, which accelerates rotor wear. Therefore, checking and replacing your brake pads regularly is essential.

Brake Pad Inspection:

  • Check for wear: Inspect your brake pads regularly for signs of wear. Shimano SM-RT70 pads should have enough material left for effective braking. If the pad thickness is less than 1.5mm, it’s time to replace them.
  • Avoid contaminated pads: Brake pads that have come into contact with oil, dirt, or grease will wear out much faster. Always make sure your pads remain clean, and replace them if you suspect contamination.
  • Rotate or swap pads: If you notice uneven wear on the brake pads, rotate or swap them around to ensure even usage. This will help extend the lifespan of both the pads and the rotor.

3. Rotor Alignment and Truing

The alignment of your rotor affects the evenness of brake pad contact, which can impact both braking performance and rotor wear. Misaligned rotors may cause your pads to contact the rotor unevenly, leading to excessive wear on certain sections.

How to Check and Adjust Rotor Alignment:

  • Check rotor alignment: Spin your wheel and check if the rotor is aligned with the brake caliper. If you notice any wobble or unevenness, use a rotor truing tool to gently bend the rotor back into alignment. A properly aligned rotor ensures that the brake pads make even contact with the rotor surface.
  • Truing the rotor: Use a rotor truing tool or a flat tool to straighten any bends in the rotor. Be gentle and make small adjustments to avoid further damage.

4. Proper Brake Lever Use

How you use your brake levers can also affect the longevity of your SM-RT70 disc brakes. Gradual and controlled braking will ensure even wear on both the pads and rotors.

Tips for Using Your Brake Levers:

  • Avoid aggressive braking: Abrupt or hard braking, especially in wet conditions, can generate excessive heat, leading to faster wear. Try to brake smoothly and gradually.
  • Modulate braking force: Instead of gripping the brake lever too hard, try to modulate the force gradually to reduce heat buildup and wear on the rotor.
  • Avoid dragging the brakes: Continuously dragging the brakes while riding, especially downhill, can cause the rotors to overheat and wear prematurely.

5. Correct Brake Pad and Rotor Bedding-In Process

When installing new pads and rotors, it is essential to perform a proper bedding-in process to ensure that the surfaces mate correctly and wear evenly.

Bedding-in New Pads and Rotors:

  • Initial braking: Perform a series of smooth, controlled stops from moderate speed to heat up the rotor and pads evenly. Make sure not to stop suddenly or use excessive force during the bedding process.
  • Gradual progression: Increase braking pressure progressively as you go through the bedding process to ensure proper pad-to-rotor contact.
  • Avoid overheating: After bedding-in, avoid continuous hard braking, as excessive heat can degrade the pad material and cause uneven rotor wear.

6. Regular Inspection for Cracks or Damage

Even with regular maintenance, your SM-RT70 rotors can still suffer from wear and tear, particularly after frequent riding on rough or rocky terrain. Regular inspections are key to spotting early signs of damage, which could lead to rotor failure if left unchecked.

Inspecting for Damage:

  • Cracks and gouges: Examine your rotors for any cracks, gouges, or deep scoring marks. Any visible damage means the rotor should be replaced immediately to avoid further issues.
  • Wear marks: While some wear is normal, excessive wear marks may indicate a problem with your brake pads or improper rotor use.
  • Check mounting bolts: Ensure the rotor mounting bolts are tight and secure. Loose bolts can affect rotor alignment, causing uneven braking and excessive wear.

7. Avoiding Overheating

Overheating is a major cause of premature wear on your SM-RT70 rotors. Excessive heat can warp the rotor, cause the brake pads to degrade more quickly, and lead to reduced braking efficiency.

How to Prevent Overheating:

  • Use proper braking technique: As mentioned earlier, avoid aggressive or constant braking, especially in long descents. Allow your brakes to cool down between hard stops.
  • Upgrade cooling systems: If you find yourself riding in conditions that demand more frequent or harder braking, consider upgrading your braking system with heat-dissipating rotors or cooling fins.

8. Correct Rotor and Brake Pad Compatibility

Using the correct combination of rotors and pads is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your SM-RT70 system. Incompatible components can lead to excessive wear, reduced performance, and even damage to your braking system.

Compatibility Considerations:

  • Only use Shimano-approved pads: Stick with Shimano’s recommended brake pads for the SM-RT70 rotors to maintain optimal performance and prevent excessive wear.
  • Check for rotor size compatibility: Ensure that the rotor size is compatible with your frame and caliper system. An incorrect rotor size can lead to poor braking performance and uneven wear.

By following these best practices, you can ensure the longevity of your Shimano SM-RT70 disc brakes. Regular cleaning, proper use, and timely maintenance will keep your brakes performing at their best for years to come, allowing you to enjoy your rides without the worry of premature wear.