When it comes to the braking systems of bikes, disc brakes have distinct advantages, such as strength, all-terrain capability, ruggedness, suitability for off-road biking, prevention of overheating of tires, and being compatible even with multiple wheel configurations. However, it is not enough that you have such kind of brake. You must also know how to manage it effectively and how to maximize the benefits that can be yielded from such. With this, you might be interested in knowing how to adjust a bike disc brakes. This will be the topic that we will further explore in the rest of this post.
A Quick Look at Disc Brakes
Before we proceed with the discussions on how the adjustments can be done, let us first take a look at what this type of brake is all about. In this type of brake, there are calipers that are placed on the fork in the front and on the frame in the back. The rotors, meanwhile, are mounted on the hub. Most of the new models of bikes are already equipped with this type of brake.
There are many benefits that can be enjoyed from the use of this type of brake above its counterpart. For instance, it improves action and it lessens the possibility that the performance of your bike will be affected by water and mud. You also do not have to worry of the wear and tear of the rim. Another distinct advantage is that they look cool.
How To Adjust A Bike Disc Brakes
Now, let us proceed to the important part of our discussion. Adjusting the disc brake is recommended in order to optimize its performance and to make sure of your safety. Before every ride, it would be good if you can have a quick inspection of the brake, seeing to it that it is aligned and properly working. To add, you should also have it regularly serviced by an experienced mechanic.
Generally speaking, there are two ways by which it will be possible to have the disc brakes adjusted. The first one would be through caliper adjustment, which can be done through following these steps:
- If you have a workstation at home, have the bike positioned so that it will be in an upright position, making it easier to proceed with the adjustment. If there is no workstation, which is probably the case in most homes, turn the bike over and find a way to have it balanced.
- Find the two bolts, which serve as the attachment of the brake to the fork of the bike. One bolt can be found above the caliper and the other one is below it. With the use of a hex driver, loosen the bolts until the point wherein you can easily remove the caliper by hand.
- Have the wheel spun. Do this slowly while keeping an eye on the movement of the rotor. See how the rotor touches the brake pad. Make the necessary adjustments in such a way that the two parts will no longer be touching each other. Have the bolts tightened once again in its initial place with the use of the hex driver. See to it that when the bolts are tightened, the caliper will retain the adjusted position.
- Spin your bikeÔÇÖs wheel and see to it that the pads are properly aligned.
Another way of doing it would be through adjusting the bent rotor, which can be done by following these easy steps:
- Have the bike positioned upside down. Spin the wheel and take a look at the movement of the rotor. The rotor is bent and adjustments are necessary if in case is passes through the calipers in the absence of getting in contact with the pads.
- Mark the specific part of the rotor that is bent. Have the wheel turned so that the mark will be at 180 degrees.
- Using an adjustable wrench, have it placed on the part that is bent. Have it tightened on the rotor. Have the rotor bent using the wrench going to the direction of the brake pad but while making sure that there will be no friction between the two.
- Have the wheel spun slowly and monitor if there is no traction between the rotor and the caliper. If there still seems to be no contact, bend the rotor more. Do this repeatedly, if warranted.
By now, we hope that you have learned how to adjust a bike disc brakes. See? It is not as complicated as it seems. You do not need to pay a pro to do it for you. Even on your own, it is something that you can accomplish. The important thing is to make sure that you follow the necessary steps to be guaranteed of nothing but the best outcomes.
