Stand in front of the brake calipers and watch how the cable, brake pad, and caliper operate. . My video demonstrating the repair of a stuck disc brake caliper piston: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Loosen the barrel adjuster after theyre in place. This only works if the rotor is rubbing in one specific spot. To tighten the brake cable, twist the barrel adjuster to the right. Mount your wheel on a bike stand and give the wheels spin while carefully checking down the rotors if they're bent and rubbing against the brake pads. Try several times until you get the right caliper position. Disc brake rub is one of the most irritating noises a bike can make. Different bikes have different disc brake calipers in different locations. As you do this, its important to check if the space below or above the brake pads is equal. Repeat the process on the other side, for the opposite piston. You dont have brake cable tension problems if there is at least a 1.5-inch distance between the lower part of the brake lever and the upper part of your bikes handle grip. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. One of the most common reasons a disc brake is rubbing is the brake caliper is misaligned with the disc rotor. Afterwards, Perejmybida says, it gets easier. Rotor still slightly rubbing, but you cant feel it? [Gravel! If the mechanical disc brakes are of a dual-piston design, such as the Tektro Spyre, then setup is largely the same as with hydraulic systems, in conjunction with setting the correct cable tension. Bike Disc Brake Care: Adjust & Repair | REI Co-op If your disc rotor or brake caliper arent correctly torqued, youll often hear a metallic clanging. Calliper clearance ok and no visible sign of rotor misshaped. Disc brakes rubbing? - How to fix it | CANYON US Testing your bikes brake system is a simple process. Cycling - health benefits - Better Health Channel. and turning the front and rear wheels. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Do not turn the screws if they are already tight. Loosen the bolts that hold the caliper to the frame just enough to allow the caliper to wiggle side-to-side. They may look like the simplest of the bunch, but they are actually the hardest to adjust on your own, Perejmybida says. Be gentle at first and go slow. The best way to go about this process is to twist the bolt to the left side to a certain degree, allowing you to adjust the disc brake caliper. Keep checking the brake cable tension after each adjustment to ensure you dont tighten it too much.