Today SRAM Corp issued a recall on specific Hydro-R hydraulic road brakes, both rim and disc brake versions. These brake systems are from both the Red22 and S-700 (10sp) models. This is a proactive measure by SRAM, as there have been no reports of incidents from the field. The exact nature of the problem has not been described, only that it is a “performance and safety concern”. Since both disc and rim brake versions of Hydro-R are affected in only specific production batches, one could reasonably speculate that it is an issue with lever itself, most likely a process error rather than design. Here at Bike Hugger, we currently have 3 sets of Hydro-R in our stable, one each of the Red22 plus a S-700 disc brake. None of these have serial numbers affected by the recall.
According to the press release, SRAM actually produced a little more than 3,500 units in that production batch, but most were reclaimed internally, pulled from the OEM supplies to assemblers in Asia and aftermarket distributors . After that, perhaps as many as 500 units worldwide may have found their way to dealers or consumers. If you own a Hydro-R brake system, you can check the serial number which is laser-etched into the caliper; the number is on the bottom of the disc brake caliper. The serial number is also on the retail packaging. You can read the full text of the recall after the jump.
SRAM Hydraulic Road Brake Recall:
“SRAM has identified a technical issue with respect to a narrow production range of its RED 22 and S-700 Road Hydraulic road brakes. This is a performance and safety concern. There are no reported failures in the field. We began proactive quarantine efforts with factories, bike brands and distributors last week. We have reported this issue to the US CPSC and will be cooperating with the agency to announce a safety recall in the near future. We are also working with European consumer administrations. The affected serial numbers range from 36T30993767 to 42T39407156. This represents 3,553 brakes produced. Based on our investigative and quarantine efforts with our customers, we expect that there are fewer than 500 brakes worldwide in the affected range that are at Dealers or have been purchased by consumers. The serial number can be found on the brake caliper (rim or disc) and on the outside of the box containing the product. SRAM will issue another notice when the CPSC approved recall launches. As always, we appreciate your business, and apologize for the disruption.”
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