How to Adjust Bike Brakes | Bike Maintenance, by Howcast on YouTube. 2 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Squeeze each brake lever and check the gap to the handlebar. You want about two finger widths of space before the lever hits the bar.
Twist the barrel adjuster where the cable enters the brake lever. Turning it out tightens the brake and takes up slack in the cable.
Squeeze the lever again. If the gap is still too small, the barrel adjuster alone is not enough and you need to reset the cable.
Loosen the cable pinch bolt on the brake with an Allen wrench, just enough to let the cable slide.
Pull the cable tight so the brake pads touch the rim. You should hear them rub as the wheel turns.
Tighten the pinch bolt while holding the cable firm. Leave the barrel adjuster turned out so you can fine tune later.
Turn the barrel adjuster in until the pads just clear the rim and the wheel spins freely.
Spin the wheel and check that both pads clear the rim evenly. Squeeze the lever to confirm the two finger gap.
Tips and common mistakes
If one pad rubs more than the other, check the brake centering screw before adjusting cable tension.
Replace worn pads before adjusting, since thin pads change the lever feel.
Test the brakes at low speed in a safe spot before riding in traffic.
Questions
Why do my brakes feel loose after adjusting?
The cable may have slipped at the pinch bolt or the barrel adjuster is turned all the way in. Reset the cable and leave the adjuster partly out.
Can I adjust disc brakes the same way?
No. This method is for rim brakes. Disc brakes need the caliper aligned and the pads checked, so use a disc brake guide.
How much gap should the brake lever have?
About two finger widths between the lever and the handlebar when you squeeze it firmly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
