How to adjust bicycle brakes?

How to adjust bicycle brakes? - In 5 simple steps

To answer the question “How to adjust bicycle brakes?”, you can use the services of a specialist in a store or repair center, or figure it out yourself.

Regardless of the adjustable bike’s brake system, you should always start with the control brake arms. There are adjusting screws in its body. The purpose of this stage of adjustment is to choose the most suitable resistance when pressing, as well as a convenient location of the handle in relation to the steering wheel.

Adjusting the brakes on a bicycle depends on which braking system is used. In most cases, it is not necessary to adjust disc brakes very often, but sometimes you simply cannot do without adjustment.

Three types of braking system are used on bikes:

  • caliper brakes (V Brakes);
  • disc brakes;
  • hydraulic brakes.

Tools you may need

Adjusting the brake system does not require many tools. These are standard tools that are usually in every cyclist’s repair kit:

  • Allen keys,
  • pliers,
  • an adjustable wrench and/or a ring spanner,
  • some anti-cease grease.

First, it is worth carefully inspecting the elements of the control line – brake cable or hydraulic line.

Tools you may need

For example, in the case of a hydraulic brake, this is an inspection of the hydraulic line for possible defects, in the presence of which the line is replaced accordingly, and the entire system is subsequently pumped. In the case of brakes, where the control line is a cable, it is necessary to inspect it for possible breaks or bend, and brake cable tension. In case of visible defects, replace one or another element.

BUDGET SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT: HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST V-BRAKES ON A BIKE

Ideal for field repair and cheap to operate, V Brake can be adjusted in four steps. Moreover, observing their sequence is extremely important.

Before adjusting the brakes on the bicycle, you should disconnect the guide brake cable from the right (for front wheel) or from the left lever (for rear wheel) by simultaneously pulling the metal cable guide and pulling the brake lever to the bike rim.

HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST V-BRAKES ON A BIKE

Step 1. To determine the balance and symmetry of the brake pads

How to adjust bicycle brakes? - In 5 simple steps

To determine the balance and symmetry of the brake pads on the rim, it is necessary to loosen the bolt with which they are attached to the brake lever and expose them, gradually pulling them to the rim

Step 2. Adjust cable tension

djust cable tension

It is necessary to expose the working plane of the block in such a way that its front part comes into contact with the rim before the back part. To do this, you need to put a thin object under the rear part, adjust cable tension and press the block to the rim and tighten the bolt permanently

Step 3. Align brake pads

How to adjust bicycle brakes? - In 5 simple steps

This is important because for simultaneous contact of the brake pads with the rim, the levers on the pads must be centered

Step 4. Expose the pads in a split position relative to the wheel rim

How to adjust bicycle brakes? - In 5 simple steps

This stage is carried out in order to adjust the sharpness and smoothness of the brake pads by optimally adjusting the tension of the cable

Step 5. To check the brake system

How to adjust bicycle brakes? - In 5 simple steps

Squeeze the brake lever while rotating the front or rear wheel to check the brake system once more.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: ADJUSTMENT ON A BIKE DISC BRAKES WITH A MECHANICAL (CABLE) DRIVE

BIKE DISC BRAKES WITH A MECHANICAL (CABLE) DRIVE

Before adjusting disc brake, you should check:

  • the accuracy of setting the wheel axis in the dropouts (landing places) and the clamping force of the sleeve in the frame / fork;
  • uniformity of tightening of the brake disk (rotor) and the housing of the brake unit;
  • deviation of the shape of the rotor from the vertical plane (if necessary, align the rotor with an adjustable wrench).

Technology which includes points on how to adjust mechanical disc brakes on a bicycle is as follows:

To attention. On a correctly adjusted deceleration unit, the central vertical section of the brake rotor should lie in the same plane as the caliper slot.

Mechanical brakes, as well as pad brakes, consist of a handle, a brake cable, and a drive cable, but instead of brake pads, a brake disc (rotor) and a machine called a brake caliper are installed on them. In order to adjust brakes, you need:

Step 1. Set all adjustments to zero;

Step 2. Unscrew the cable fastening, and then choose the optimal slack;

Step 3. Loosen the bolts holding the brake calipers, since adjustment is possible only in the disengaged brake caliper position;

Step 4. Position the machine in such a way that the gap between the brake pads and the rotor is the same;

Step 5. Tighten the bolts and firmly fix the machine.

Step 6. Squeeze the brake lever and check out brake tension.

PRO LEVEL: HOW TO SET UP HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES ON A BICYCLE

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

In most cases, the hydraulic bike brakes has the function of automatically adjusting the brake pads. But there are situations when it is necessary to adjust the brakes manually. The principle of adjusting hydraulic disc brakes is quite simple and only a set of hexagons will be needed for this.

What needs to be done:

Step 1. Squeeze the two fixing bolts that hold the brake calipers;

Step 2. Press the caliper brakes tightly to the fork and squeeze the brake handle on the steering wheel to stop;

Step 3. Holding it, fasten the caliper bolt on the brake calipers in the closed position.

This will allow you to cover the brake disc with brake pads evenly on both sides and adjust the brake module.

If some system elements were serviced or replaced with new ones, then the control knob must be pressed about 20 times for adjustment. This will make it possible to put the brake pads in relation to the rotor in the working position.

This configuration can cause certain problems, most often – it is the sagging of the brake arm. Its position can be normalized by pumping the system (if there are air bubbles), if the problem is brake fluid leaks, then it is necessary to replace the hydraulic line.

Don’t forget to look at the rubber brake pads attached to each end of the calipers. There should be grooves on the surface for gripping the rim. If the brake pads have a smooth surface, they must be replaced immediately. Riding a bicycle with a bald brake pad is risky.

Tip: Some brake pad manufacturers integrate a wear line into the brake pads, similar to the tread wear indicators on car tires. This will help to notice the wear of the rubber in time.

Conclusion “How to adjust bicycle brakes?”

Of course, adjusting bicycle brakes may not always work the first time. A little practice and this process will cease to be a problem for you. Moreover, it is not necessary to be an expert in adjusting all types of brake systems. It will be enough for you to understand the adjustment process of the system you use and which is on your bike. There are great advantages in being able to repair a breakdown or adjust the brakes yourself.

The first, is that the brakes will not let you down at the right moment.

Secondly, cost savings 🙂

Even in spite of frequent and careful adjustment of bike’s brake system, remember that it is better to immediately replace worn elements. After all, the adjustment and serviceability of the brakes is a guarantee of your health and safety.

Article “What to wear cycling?” here.

I'm Daniel Riley, I am a sports coach and I live a sports life. I maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, food and nutrition. I want to share useful information with like-minded people, with those who want to change their lives for the better.

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