If you’re a cyclist, then you know how important it is to have properly functioning bike brakes. A brake that is improperly adjusted can quickly lead to an accident. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to adjust bike brakes correctly. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to ensure that your brakes are working as they should be. Keep safety in mind while cycling and follow these tips to adjust your bike brakes!
Why do you need to adjust bike brakes?
- One common issue that can occur with bike brakes is that they may start to “squeal.” This usually means that the brake pads need to be adjusted or replaced.
- Another bike brake issue that can arise is reduced braking power. This usually means that the bike’s brake cable needs to be adjusted or replaced.
- In addition, bike brakes may need to be adjusted depending on how you use your bike. For example, if you use your bike for a lot of downhill riding, you will want bike brakes that provide more stopping power.
So, how do you adjust bike brakes?
There are a few different ways to adjust bike brakes, depending on the type of bike brake system you have.
Table of Contents
How to Adjust Bike Brakes – For All Brake Types
1. How to adjust Bike Caliper Brakes
By following these simple steps, you can make quick and easy adjustments to your caliper brakes to ensure they’re providing the best possible performance.
Check out Types of Bike Brakes
- The first step is to remove the wheel from your bike. Once the wheel is off, you can see the caliper brake pads and springs. There are two bolts on either side of the caliper that hold it in place. Use a wrench to loosen these bolts and remove the caliper from the wheel.
- Now that the caliper is removed, you can take a look at the brake pads. Most caliper brakes are attached with a screw on either side of the caliper. Using an Allen wrench, remove this screw to take the brake pad off. Be careful not to move it too much, as most caliper brakes have thin metal wires that hold the brake pad in place.
- Once the caliper is opened, you can see the brake pads and the springs. You may also see some gunk or dirt on the caliper. Use a rag to clean off any build-up around the caliper, making sure not to damage the metal springs.
- Now it’s time to adjust the brake pads. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest way is to move the caliper arm with your fingers. This can be done by putting two fingers on either side of the caliper and pulling it across the wheel, or by rotating it. Keep making minor adjustments until both brake pads are level on either side of the caliper. You don’t want one pad high and the other low because it will create uneven braking.
- Once the pads are level, it’s time to put the caliper back on. Align the caliper over the wheel and replace the screws that hold the brake pad in place. Make sure they’re tight, but don’t over-tighten them or you could damage the caliper.
- Now that the caliper is back on, it’s time to put the wheel back on. The caliper should fit over the caliper and sit about 1cm off of both sides. If there is a gap on either side, use your fingers to move or twist the caliper until it fits snugly against the wheel.
- The last step is to tighten the bolts on the caliper. Use a wrench to tighten them until they’re snug, but be careful not to over-tighten them or you could damage the caliper.
You should now have a properly adjusted caliper brake. If you’re still having trouble, or if something doesn’t seem quite right, consult a bike repair consultant near you.
Check out How to Clean a Rusty Bike Chain
2. How to adjust Bike Disk brakes
Disk brakes are a type of brake system that uses disks (circular plates) to apply pressure to the braking surface. Disk brakes offer a number of advantages over traditional rim brakes, which include:
- Disk brakes are not susceptible to the “brake fade” that can occur with rim brakes when used on long descents.
- Provide more consistent braking performance in all weather conditions.
- They are less affected by mud and debris than rim brakes.
- They are generally easier to adjust than cantilevers or V-brakes.
Generally, disk brakes provide more stopping power than rim brakes, making them a good choice for mountain bikes and other bikes that need to stop quickly.
To adjust disk brakes, first, loosen the brake cable anchor bolt with a wrench. Then use your hands to twist the brake cable around the anchor bolt until it is tight. Next, loosen the brake arm adjustment bolt with a wrench. Using your hands, turn the brake arm adjustment nut until the brake pads are close to the wheel rim. Finally, tighten the brake arm adjustment bolt and the brake cable anchor bolt.
Check out How to Tighten a Loose Bike Chain
3. How to adjust bike v-brakes
Bikes v brakes are a common type of brake system found on modern bicycles. They are so named because they use two metal arms (called “v-brakes”) mounted on the frame of the bike to apply pressure to the wheel’s braking surface, usually metal or carbon fiber.
V-brakes are common on mountain bikes and commuter bikes and are also sometimes found on road bikes. v-brakes work by using two arms, attached to the frame of the bike, to press against either side of the tire. The v-shape of these brake arms limits their travel so they can’t rub against the tire when out of use.
If you have v-brakes that need adjusting, it is important to get them set up correctly to ensure your safety when riding. Follow these steps to adjust v brakes on your bike:
- Loosen the brake cable locknut on the brake lever using a wrench.
- Slide the brake cable housing up so that there is about 1″ of slack in the cable.
- Turn the adjusting barrel on the brake caliper counterclockwise until it is loose.
- Hold the brake lever against the handlebar and pull on the cable to tighten it. While you are doing this, turn the adjusting barrel on the brake caliper clockwise until it is tight. You should feel some resistance when the v-brake is tightened to the wheel’s braking surface.
- Turn the adjusting barrel on the brake caliper counterclockwise until it is tight against the cable. You will hear a clicking sound as you tighten it, and should feel some resistance when the v-brake is correctly adjusted.
Bike Brakes Maintenance Tips
If brakes are not properly maintained, they can pose threats to both rider and other people on the road, especially when riding downhill.
- Make sure your brake pads aren’t too worn down or thinned out before you ride. If they are, replace them before you take your bike for a spin. This is especially important if you’re going to be riding in wet conditions, as worn pads can cause your brakes to slip.
- Check your brake cables and housing to make sure they’re in good condition and aren’t corroded or frayed. If they are, replace them before you ride.
- Bleed your brakes if they seem to be doing less stopping than before. This is especially important if your brakes have been feeling spongy lately. To bleed your brakes, remove the brake fluid cap on the lever and push the pistons back in with a small screwdriver or pen. Put a few drops of brake fluid in the reservoir, replace the cap, and pump the brakes a few times. If this doesn’t work, take your bike to a professional to have them done for you.
- Keep an eye on your brake cable housing. Housing that protrudes out from the cable can wear down your pads and cause them to lose their stopping power. If you see a lot of exposed cable, it’s time for a replacement.
