Mountain Bike Disk Brake Rubbing
Can you clearly explain adjusting DISC brakes on a mountain bike?
My front disc brake is rubbing against the pad, my adjustments are not proving adequate and I fear some more drastic steps must be taken but can’t find considerable explanations on what to do. The brakes are Tektro Novela – decent websites will all around bike maintenance would be most welcome. Cheers!
I think that the Tektro you are talking about is a cable actuated brake. Here are some general instructions:
1. Remove the caliper from the frame. Inspect the pads for wear. If pads are glossy, roughen them with 100 grit sandpaper until the gloss is gone. be careful not to round off the edges. If the disc was waxed or cleaned with a silicone compound the pads may need to be replaced due to contamination.
2. Spin the wheel slowly to check for disc warpage. If disc is warped it must be replaced.
3. Screw the barrel adjuster on the brake lever in all the way until 2 threads show . If the caliper has an adjuster (unlikely) do the same adjustment.
4. Very lightly grease the shafts of the bolts that hold the caliper on the frame. Do NOT grease the threads.
5. Reinstall the caliper. Using Loctite Blue (temporary hold) on the threads is recommended.
6. Loosen the cable anchor on the caliper and pull the cable through. Using your thumb push the actuator lever up very slightly, then tighten the anchor.
7. SQUEEZE the brake lever HARD, then check adjustment. If too tight, adjust the barrel adjuster on the brake lever in slightly. If too loose, adjust the barrel adjuster out.
Most disc brakes except the very cheapest ones are self centering, so pay attention to any spacers or washers between the frame and caliper and make sure to replace them as they came out.
Brake Caliper Adjustment. DIsc Brake Rubbing Fix
