How to Tighten Disc Brakes on a Push Bike

Disc brakes are one of numerous braking systems found on push bikes. Effective even in wet and muddy conditions, the disc brake system is most commonly featured on mountain bikes. The "disc" is actually a rotor, attached to the side of the wheel. A set of pads housed inside a caliper is responsible for gripping the rotor during braking. As the pads wear, it becomes necessary to pull harder on the brake lever. Tightening a disc brake involves adjusting pad clearance to compensate for pad wear.

Things You'll Need

  • 0.3 mm feeler gauge
  • 3 or 5 mm Allen wrench (as needed)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the pad adjustment screw or knob on both sides of the disc brake caliper. Some models use a screw to adjust pad clearance. These models require either a 3 or 5 mm Allen wrench to adjust. Other models use a knob. These models are adjusted by hand.

    • 2

      Insert a 0.3 mm feeler gauge in the gap between the rotor and the pad farthest from the inside of the bike. There is pad on either side of the rotor. One is located farther from the side of the bike than the other.

    • 3

      Rotate the adjuster screw or knob clockwise to move the outer pad closer to the rotor. Meanwhile, move the feeler gauge in and out of the gap until some drag is felt. Drag is created as the pad and rotor touch the sides of the feeler gauge.

    • 4

      Insert the 0.3 mm feeler gauge in the gap between the rotor and the pad closest to the inside of the bicycle.

    • 5

      Turn the adjuster screw or knob on the side of the caliper facing the bicycle clockwise to move the inner pad closer to the rotor. Adjust until drag is felt against the sides of the feeler gauge as the feeler gauge is moved in and out.