How to Tune Tektro U-Brakes

Everyday wear and tear diminishes a bicycle brake's ability to perform. The Tektro U-brake uses a combination of friction and tension to slow the bicycle effectively. A pair of rubber pads supply the friction needed to grip the wheel, while a cable, which joins the brake to its hand-operated lever, uses tension to force the pads against the wheel. A periodic tune-up keeps the pads properly adjusted and removes excess slack from the brake cable.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 mm Allen key
  • 2 mm Allen key
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a 5 mm Allen key to loosen both the Tektro brake-shoe bolts. A single bolt connects each shoe to its respective brake arm.

    • 2

      Use your thumb and index or middle finger to pinch the two pads against the sides of the rim. The "rim" is the hoop section of the wheel.

    • 3

      Adjust each pad evenly with the side of the rim. Give the top of each pad 1 mm of clearance from the top of the rim.

    • 4

      Turn the brake lever adjusting barrel counter-clockwise to tighten the brake cable. Tektro recommends a total pad-to-rim clearance of 2 to 3 mm. Tighten the cable until a suitable clearance is achieved.

    • 5

      Squeeze the brake lever repeatedly while observing whether both brake pads contact the rim simultaneously. If tension for one brake arm is more or less than the other brake arm, the arms will not close equally. Note which of the two arms closes last.

    • 6

      Use a 2 mm Allen key to turn the micro-tension adjuster on the side of the appropriate arm. Turn the micro tension adjuster clockwise to increase tension on the arm. Squeeze the brake lever again, and check whether both pads now contact the rim simultaneously. Adjust further, if necessary.