Cannondale S440 - Manual (Page 53)

53
Printed : 8/15/02
53
BRAKES
Testing the brakes
For safe vehicle operation, it is critical to have the
brake syst em pe rf orming at its best. R e gu lar
inspection of the brake components and brake fluid
level should become a habit prior to riding the
vehicle.
1. Squeeze the front brake lever and test for proper
braking. The lever should feel firm and propor-
tional force should be applied to the discs pre-
venting the vehicle from rolling. If the brake lever
feels spongy or weak, and/or the vehicle is not
prevented from rolling have the brakes inspected
by a Cannondale Motorsports Dealer.
2. Check for fluid leaks. Inspect the entire length of
the hoses paying close attention to the banjo
bolts, calipers, and master cylinders.
3. Check the rear brake pedal for proper operation
by pressing it with your foot. You should feel firm
resistance when braking. As with the front
brakes, force applied to the pedal should apply
force to the rear disc preventing the vehicle from
rolling. If the rear brake operates improperly
have a Cannondale Motorsports Dealer inspect
the system.
4. Inspect the rear brake pads for wear.
5. Test both brake systems at slow speed. Make
sure that both systems function properly and that
there is proper braking force always available.
6. When riding in wet conditions or after exiting a
water crossing, apply the brake lightly a few
times so that the heat of friction will dry the pads
and discs. If water remains on the system, you
will not have adequate braking power when
needed.
Front brake pads inspection
Each brake pad has wear indicator marks (1) and
grooves (3). If either brake pad is worn to the
minimum thickness indicator (2) or beyond the
minimum thickness (a), the brake pads need to be
r e p l a c e d w i t h a n e w s e t . T h e re a r b r a k e pa d
minimum thickness is 0.04 inches (1.0 mm). Contact
an authorized Cannondale Motorsports dealer for
replacement.
Rear brake pads inspection
Each brake pad has wear indicator grooves (1). If
either brake pad is worn to the minimum thickness
indicator (2) (or beyond the minimum thickness (a)),
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Worn out brake pads
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Can damage the brake disc adversely affect-
ing brake performance and possibly causing
an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never ride the vehicle with worn or damaged
brake pads. Have worn pads replaced with
new ones by a Cannondale Motorsports
Dealer.
1. Wear indicator marks
2. Minimum thickness indicator
3. Wear indicator grooves
a. Minimum thickness
(a)
(3)
(1)
(a)
(2)