How to Adjust Disc Brakes on Your Bike

Easily adjust your hydraulic disc brakes on your bike if they are rubbing.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

All you will need to do this is an Allen wrench that fits your bike caliper. For my bike I am using a Topeak Alien 2 multi-tool with a 5mm Allen wrench tool.

Step 2: Get to It

It may be helpful to prop your bike in something for this repair I'm using my homemade pallet bike rack. To do this repair you will want to insert your Allen wrench into the two caliper bolts mounting it and loosen those. They do not have to be super lose just enough to rock the caliper side to side some. After you have loosened them enough you will want squeeze the brake lever all the way down. This will center the caliper on the rotor lining it up. While holding the brake lever tighten up the bolts till there snug but not overly tight. After you have tightened those bolts back up spin the wheel and see if it is still rubbing. If it is still rubbing it may be a bent rotor or need additional adjusting. This adjustment may need to be repeated for best results. Feel free to ask any questions.

Comments

[skepticaljay]

I have found that it also helps to slowly apply the brakes while slowly spinning the tire with your hand until the wheel comes to a complete stop. something about moving the wheel instead of just applying clamping pressure aligns the caliper better. Good instructable though.

[Eclipse1525]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it out.

[tomatoskins]

Such a simple fix for the bike! Love it!