How to Tune Avid Disc Brakes

Those in the market for a mountain bike should be familiar with Avid's products. Their disc brakes are common on mountain bikes, be they entry-level or high-end. Compared to V-brakes, their predecessor, disc brakes have a lot less adjustments and therefore less potential for something to go wrong. When something does go wrong, you can usually tell because the brake pads will start dragging on the rotor. Avid anticipated this and designed their system to make this easily adjustable.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-millimeter Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up your bicycle and spin each wheel to listen for any rubbing noises. If you hear a strange whirring noise coming from the brakes, that's an indication that the pads are rubbing.

    • 2

      Loosen the bolts attaching the affected caliper from the frame or fork using your 5-millimeter Allen wrench. The caliper is the mechanism that clamps the brakes over the disc rotor when braking. It is connected to the brake lever with a hose, and it is located on the left side of the bike at the bottom of the fork or the seat stay.

    • 3

      Pick the wheel with the rubbing caliper off the ground and spin it. While the wheel spins, squeeze the brake lever.

    • 4

      Hold the brake lever and tighten the caliper mounting bolts back down until snug. Once tight, spin the wheel again. The rubbing should be gone. If not, repeat the process again.