Shad Bikes
Keeping your bike's brakes in good condition is not just a matter of being more comfortable, but of being safer. Disc brakes are the favourite choice of many cyclists today, both for mountain and road routes, thanks to their power and reliability, even in rain or mud. But, like any mechanical system, they need a little love from time to time. Knowing how to adjust your bike's disc brakes can save you a lot of problems and, most importantly, avoid unnecessary scares.
Why is it important to adjust disc brakes?
Imagine you're riding down a steep hill and when you pull the brake lever, the brakes don't respond as they should. Scary, isn't it? Well, that's what can happen if your brakes are adjusted incorrectly. And it's not just a safety issue; out-of-adjustment brakes can also:
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Braking less than they should, which can be frustrating and dangerous.
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Making the pads and disc wear out faster than normal, and they're not exactly cheap.
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Making noises that drive you crazy while you're pedaling.
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Damage other parts of the system if the problem is not corrected in time.
When should you adjust disc brakes?
You don't have to wait until something goes wrong to take a look at your brakes, but there are clear signs that they need an adjustment:
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Strange noises : If you hear a constant grinding or rubbing noise while pedaling, the disc may be touching the pads because it is out of alignment.
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Weak or imprecise braking : In hydraulic brakes, this may be due to air in the system or a lack of fluid. In mechanical brakes, it is usually a cable that needs tension.
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Pad wear : If the pads are so thin that they barely have any friction material left, it's time to change them and adjust everything.
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Vibrations when braking : sometimes this happens because the disc is slightly bent or poorly positioned.
Tools needed to adjust disc brakes
Adjusting your bike's disc brakes isn't complicated, but before you get started, it's important to have everything you need on hand. Working with the right tools not only makes your life easier, but it also helps make the adjustment more precise and safe.
What do you need to adjust disc brakes?
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Allen keys
Essentials. Almost all bikes use Allen screws to hold the brake calipers. Keep 4mm and 5mm on hand, as they are the most common. -
Disc wrench (optional)
If you notice that your disc is a little bent or not turning straight, this tool can be very useful. Although it is not essential, it will save you time and effort if you need to straighten it. -
Bike stand
It's not mandatory, but it will make your job much easier. If you can keep your bike stable and upright, adjusting the brakes will be much easier. If you don't have one, find a place where you can rest your bike without it moving. -
Screwdriver
On some mechanical brakes, you will need a screwdriver (usually a Phillips screwdriver) to adjust the cable tension or some specific parts. -
Brake cleaner
Discs and pads need to be clean to brake properly. A good brake pad cleaner will remove oils, dirt and any residue without damaging the parts. -
Lubricant
Only for mechanical parts, such as screws or cables on mechanical brakes. However, be careful not to touch the disc or pads with grease, as this will compromise braking. -
Clean paper or cloth
Don't underestimate the importance of a good cloth. You'll use it to clean parts and dry any residue. A microfiber cloth is perfect because it doesn't leave any lint.
How to adjust mechanical disc brakes
If your bike has mechanical disc brakes, you're in luck: adjusting them is relatively easy and doesn't require any fancy tools. These types of brakes use a cable to move the pads, making them easy to operate even if you don't have much experience.
Step 1: Identify the problem
Before you do anything, take a look at what's wrong. Does the disc rub when turning? Does the brake have no force when you squeeze the lever? Does the cable feel loose? Knowing what's wrong will help you get straight to the point and not waste time adjusting things that don't need it.
Step 2: Place the pads correctly
Brake pads are responsible for generating the friction needed to stop the bike. If they are not fitted correctly, you may experience noise, rubbing or irregular braking.
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Slightly loosen the screws holding the caliper with an Allen key.
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Spin the wheel and see if the disc touches any of the pads.
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Adjust the adjusting screw that moves the pads (usually on the back of the caliper) until they are close to the disc but without touching it.
Step 3: Adjust the cable tension
The cable is key to a good brake response. If it is loose, the lever will have a long travel before the brake engages.
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Locate the cable tensioner, which is usually located on the lever or caliper.
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Turn the tensioner counterclockwise to increase cable tension.
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If the cable is too loose, you can also loosen the screw holding it in the clamp, pull the cable out a little by hand, and then tighten it again.
Step 4: Center the clamp
For the pads to work properly, the caliper must be perfectly aligned with the disc. If it is off-centre, you will notice friction or uneven braking.
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Loosen the bolts holding the caliper to the frame or fork.
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Operate the brake lever and hold it down. This will place the caliper in the correct position.
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With the lever still pressed, tighten the caliper bolts to secure it in place.
Step 5: Take a quick test
When you're done adjusting your bike, test your brakes before you head out. Spin the wheel and make sure it's not rubbing against the rotor, then brake a few times to check that you have adequate braking power. If you notice something isn't quite right, go over the steps again slowly.
How to adjust hydraulic disc brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes are a marvel: powerful, smooth and reliable. But, like everything else on a bike, they need adjustments from time to time to keep working like new. If you notice that the braking is not as good as usual or the lever is softer than usual, it is probably time to adjust them.
Step 1: Check the hydraulic fluid level
One of the most common reasons for brakes losing power is that they are lacking fluid. The hydraulic system needs to be topped off to work properly.
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Locate the fluid reservoir on the brake lever (usually has a small cap or screws).
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Open it carefully and check the level.
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If it's low, add brake fluid specific to your brakes. This can be DOT (for many mountain brakes) or mineral oil (for some models, such as Shimano). Make sure you use the correct one, as they are not interchangeable.
Step 2: Bleed the brakes if necessary
If after topping up the fluid you notice that the lever is still soft or spongy, there is probably air in the system. This is where bleeding comes into play, which basically consists of removing that air so that the brakes regain their power.
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You will need a bleed kit, which includes syringes, tubing, and hydraulic fluid.
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Connect the tube to the brake caliper (it usually has a special screw for this) and the other part to the lever.
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Pump the liquid until you see no more bubbles coming out. The trick is to go slowly and carefully so that everything is clean.
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When you are done, close the system and wipe up any liquid that may have fallen.
Step 3: Adjust and center the caliper
Another common problem is the disc rubbing against the pads, which can happen if the caliper is misaligned. Aligning it is easier than it seems:
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Slightly loosen the bolts holding the caliper to the frame or fork.
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Squeeze the brake lever and hold it. This will automatically put the pads into the correct position.
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While holding the lever down, tighten the caliper bolts to secure the caliper in place.
Step 4: Clean the pads and disc
Sometimes the problem is not with the adjustment, but with the disc or pads being dirty. Hydraulic brakes are very sensitive to grease, dust and any residue.
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Spray a specific disc brake cleaner on the pads and disc.
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Wipe everything down with a clean cloth or lint-free paper.
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Avoid touching the disc with your fingers, as the oil from your hands can affect braking.
Step 5: Test the brakes
Once you've made all your adjustments, get out to a safe place and test the brakes. Brake several times to make sure the lever feels firm and the brakes respond with power. If you notice any noise or uneven braking, review the previous steps.
How to align the brake disc
The brake rotor is a key part of your bike's braking system. If it's slightly bent or misaligned, you're likely to hear that dreaded constant grinding noise when pedaling, or the braking may not be as smooth as it should be. Luckily, aligning the rotor isn't that complicated, and with a little patience, you can get it looking as good as new.
How do you know if the disc is misaligned?
Before you get started, make sure the problem is with the disk. Here are the most common signs that something is wrong:
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Noise when turning the wheel : If you hear a continuous rubbing noise, the disc is probably touching the pads at a specific point.
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Uneven braking : If when braking you notice that one part responds more than another, the disc may be off-center.
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Vibrations when braking : Feeling the handlebars shake may be an indication that the disc is bent.
Step 1: Look at the disc carefully
First, you need to confirm where the problem is.
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Lift the bike (you can use a stand or simply prop it up so that the wheel spins freely).
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Turn the wheel slowly and watch the disc as it passes between the pads. If you notice it drifting to one side, you've located the spot that needs fixing.
Step 2: Use a disc tool
To correct a misaligned disc, it is best to use a specific brake disc wrench. This tool is designed to straighten the disc without damaging it.
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Identify the part of the disc that is twisted. It is easy to see because it appears to “dance” as the wheel turns.
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Place the wrench on that spot and apply gentle pressure to straighten it.
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Make adjustments little by little; it's better to correct it in several attempts than to overdo it and end up bending it in the opposite direction.
Step 3: Final adjustments
After straightening the disc, check to see if it still rubs.
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Turn the wheel again and see if the disc is no longer touching the pads.
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If there is still a slight friction, repeat the process very gently. Sometimes, it only takes a millimetre to adjust everything to perfection.
Step 4: Clean the disk
When you are done adjusting it, clean the disc to remove any residue or grease that may have remained.
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Use a specific cleaner for disc brakes.
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Spray the product on the disc and wipe it with a clean, dry cloth.
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Be careful not to touch the disc with your bare hands, as the oil from your fingers can affect braking performance.
Conclusion
Adjusting your bike's disc brakes can seem like a challenge if you've never done it before, but with a little patience and the right tools, it's easier than you might think. Best of all, by doing it yourself, you not only save time and money, but you also get to know your bike better and make sure it's in top condition for every ride.
Having brakes in perfect condition is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Whether you are tackling a technical descent, moving around the city or enjoying a quiet route, well-adjusted brakes are your best guarantee of safety. In addition, a bike that brakes well is a bike that is a pleasure to use: without squeaks, without friction and with the complete confidence that it will respond when you need it. As an extra tip, your bike could look even better with some of our bicycle accessories .
Adjusting and maintaining your bike’s disc brakes is one of the best things you can learn as a cyclist. Not only does it ensure your bike is always in top shape, but it gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can handle any situation on the road or trail. So now that you know how to do it, there’s only one thing left to do: get out there and enjoy every mile with confidence!