Easy tutorial to adjust v brakes (rim brakes) #mtb #bike #bikemaintenance #biketips #cycling #bikes, by JD MTB on YouTube. 2 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put the bike in a stand or turn it upside down so the wheels spin freely. Spin each wheel and watch where the pads touch the rim.
Check the pads for wear. If the grooves are gone or the pad is thinner than about 1mm, fit new pads before adjusting anything.
Turn the barrel adjuster on the brake lever or cable housing clockwise to slacken the cable. This gives you room to work.
Set each pad so it sits flat on the rim, not on the tyre. Loosen the pad bolt, line it up, and tighten it again.
Add a little toe-in by setting the front edge of the pad about 1mm closer to the rim than the back edge. This stops squealing.
Turn the small spring tension screw on each brake arm a quarter turn at a time until both pads sit the same distance from the rim, roughly 1 to 2mm each side.
Squeeze the lever a few times and check both pads reach the rim at the same moment. Adjust the spring screws again if one side moves first.
Turn the barrel adjuster anticlockwise to take up slack until the lever feels firm with about 2 to 3 finger widths of travel.
Spin the wheel one last time to confirm there is no rub, then test the brakes at walking speed before riding properly.
Tips and common mistakes
Clean the rim with rubbing alcohol if the brakes squeal or grab, since oil and dirt cause most noise.
Keep pads clear of the tyre sidewall, or they will wear the rubber and feel spongy.
Replace frayed or sticky cables rather than winding the barrel adjuster all the way out.
Check pad wear every few rides, as V-brake pads wear faster in wet, gritty conditions.
Questions
How much gap should there be between the pad and the rim?
Aim for about 1 to 2mm on each side. Closer than that and the rim may rub when it flexes; wider and the lever will feel soft.
Why do my V-brakes keep rubbing on one side?
The spring tension is uneven. Turn the screw on the side that rubs in a quarter turn at a time until both arms pull evenly.
Do I need to replace the cable to adjust the brakes?
No, unless it is frayed, rusty or sticky. A clean cable lets the barrel adjuster do its job properly.
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.
