How to Adjust Magura Brakes

German brake manufacturer Magura is best known for the hydraulic mountain bike brake products, such as the Gustav and Marta systems. While many high-end mountain bikes come equipped with these brakes, they can also be ordered from a bike shop and installed on an older bike, provided the bike has mounts for disc brakes. While their installation is straightforward, Maguras, like all brakes, will need to be adjusted periodically, particularly if they are being ridden in the rain or snow.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rag
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • 5 mm Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip open the quick release lever on your front wheel and remove the wheel from the bicycle. Splash rubbing alcohol on a section of your rag and wipe off the rotor. You may also want to slide the alcohol-covered rag through the caliper -- the mechanism that holds the brake pads. This will take any oil, dirt, or other contaminants off the braking hardware. Mount the front wheel back on the bike.

    • 2

      Loosen the two bolts holding the front caliper onto the fork with your five millimeter Allen wrench. Loosen the bolts until the caliper has some side-to-side movement, but is still in its position over the rotor.

    • 3

      Spin the front wheel and, with the wheel spinning, squeeze the front brake lever firmly to stop the wheel. While holding the lever re-tighten the caliper with your Allen wrench. Hold the caliper in place with your hand while tightening it.

    • 4

      Spin the front wheel again, checking that the brake rotor does not rub. Repeat the above steps for your rear brake.