Q&A for How to Adjust Bike Brakes

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Question

How do I adjust the back brakes? The pads do not close onto the rim at the same time.

Paul S

Community Answer

The calipers have an internal recoil spring on each side. The small screw on the side near the pivot mount increases or relieves the tension. A clock-wise turn pulls that side away from the rim, while a counter-clockwise turn on the opposite side will help pull the closer pad away from the rim. Adjust each at the same time in half-turn increments, testing the brake pull after each adjustment. Usually the pads can be centered evenly after 2.5 to 3 turns. Neither side should be full-turned to its maximum in or out. Lubricate the pivot mount with a little WD-40 and insure the brake cable is not binding.

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Question

One brake caliper touches the wheel, and when I tighten the caliper, the tire never moves away. When I loosen it, no break bits touch the tire. What do I do?

Paul S

Community Answer

There is a recoil spring tension adjustment on the calipers near the mounting pivots on each side. Turning it clockwise increases the tension on the internal spring, allowing it to pull farther away from the rim. The side that is moving too far would need counter-clockwise turns to relieve tension, and the side not pulling away enough, clockwise turns. Turn these screws in half-turn increments, testing after each adjustment. Each side works together and should be adjusted at the same time.

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Question

After squeezing the brake cables, the brake pads do not retract fully and rest on the tire. They are rubbing the tire and slowing motion, how would I adjust to solve this problem?

Bireswar sett

Community Answer

First check that the brake pads are in good condition. If they are not, then replace them. If it's still not working, then check the lever that around the wheel that is holding both the brake pads in position and adjust the lever by loosening the central screw on it. Make sure that both the brake pads are in equal distance from the rim of wheel and then tighten the screw again.

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Question

My bike makes squeaking noises, so I tried to adjust my brakes by tightening the brake pad that was too close to the rim, but nothing is happening. I don't really know what to do.

Bireswar sett

Community Answer

Your brake pads may have decayed and or got flattened by friction. Change the brake pads and you will see that they will make no noise.

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Question

My brake pads don't touch the rim. What should I do?

Community Answer

Take a wrench and tighten the bolt that fastens the pads until they almost touch the rim.

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Question

The mud guard rubs against the back wheel. The back wire holding the mud guard does not seem long enough.

Community Answer

You will probably have to adjust the mudguard higher up until it doesn't touch the tire.

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Question

When pulling the front brake lever, the barrel adjuster came loose on the handlebars, and my front brake is now very tight up against the wheel.

Community Answer

Use a wrench to loosen the bolt that fastens the pads to the brake.

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Question

Why is one of my brake pads not gripping the rim even though it is close?

Kaden Pletos

Community Answer

If one of your brake pads is not contacting the rim, use an Allen wrench to loosen the brake cable for the problematic brake. Pull the cable tighter and then retighten the Allen screw. This should help the brake pad make contact with the rim.

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Question

Why doesn't my brake handle spring back after I squeeze it?

Murph Goph

Community Answer

There are small springs behind the brake arm or caliper that need to be engaged to allow the brakes to spring back open after being closed by the lever. To fix this, push the springs into place behind the nub on the back of the arm designed for them. Alternatively, check if the screws that put tension on the springs are too loose. Turn each screw in by half a turn until both sides contact and rebound equally.

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Question

Should the front or back brakes make contact with the rim first when applying equal brake lever movement?

Jaime Vanhout

Community Answer

When applying equal brake lever movement, the front brake should typically make contact with the rim first. This is because the weight shifts forward during braking, increasing the front tire's traction, allowing it to handle more braking force without skidding.

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Question

How can I make my front brake less abrupt?

Murph Goph

Community Answer

To make your front brake less abrupt, adjust the brake cable tension. Twist the barrel adjuster where the brake cable enters the brake lever clockwise to reduce tension. If it's already tightened, detach and reattach the cable with less tension at the cable fixing bolt. Additionally, apply both brakes gently to improve control.

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Question

How do I reinsert the brake cable on the front right side that has slipped out of its positioner?

Community Answer

First, loosen the bracket and push the cable back into its original hole, then fasten the bracket securely.

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Question

After tightening the brake cable all the way out, the brake pads still don't touch the rim. What should I do?

Community Answer

The brake arm might be bent. You should try to adjust or bend it until the brake pads touch the rim properly.

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