How To Maintain Disc Brakes – 5 Pro Tips For Your Road Bike Disc Brakes, by Global Cycling Network on YouTube. 5 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Keep oil and grease away from the rotors and pads. Wash your hands before touching them and wipe the rotors with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth if they get contaminated.
Never pull the brake lever when the wheel or disc is out of the bike. The pistons can push out and you may have to reset them or bleed the brake.
Handle the rotors by the spider or edges only. Store wheels so the discs do not get bent, and check for true spin after refitting a wheel.
If a rotor rubs, loosen the two caliper mounting bolts slightly so the caliper can move. Squeeze and hold the brake lever, then retighten the bolts evenly while the lever is held.
Spin the wheel and listen. If it still rubs, check that the wheel is seated fully in the dropouts and that the rotor is not bent before adjusting again.
Check pad wear regularly and replace pads before the friction material runs out. Clean the pistons with a cotton bud and isopropyl alcohol when you fit new pads.
Get the bleed kit made for your brake model and follow its instructions. Bleed when the lever feels spongy or the bite point drifts.
After any work, test the brakes at low speed in a safe place. Make sure both brakes stop the bike firmly before you ride normally.
Tips and common mistakes
A drop of oil on a rotor can cause loud squealing and poor braking, so replace contaminated pads rather than trying to clean them.
Do not spray lubricant near the calipers when cleaning the drivetrain.
Bed in new pads with a few firm stops from moderate speed in a safe area.
Use a bleed kit that matches your exact brake model, since fluid types and fittings differ.
Questions
Why do my disc brakes squeal?
Squealing usually means oil, grease or cleaner has contaminated the rotor or pads. Clean the rotor with isopropyl alcohol and replace the pads if they are soaked.
How do I stop my disc brake rubbing?
Loosen the caliper bolts, hold the brake lever closed and retighten the bolts evenly. Also check the wheel is seated and the rotor is straight.
How often should I bleed my brakes?
Bleed when the lever feels spongy or the bite point changes. Many riders do it once a year, or more often with heavy use.
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.
