How to Adjust Hayes Hydraulic Brakes

Hayes Brakes are an old hand on the mountain bike scene. Though they were one of the first companies to bring hydraulic disc brakes to the cycling market, recent years have seen major manufacturers shifting to Shimano and Avid for their stock bikes. That doesn't mean Hayes is gone. In fact, many older bikes and some newer bikes still rely on Hayes for their braking needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rag
  • Acetone
  • 5mm allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your front wheel from your bicycle. Wet your clean rag with acetone and wipe off the disc rotor with the rag. The acetone will remove any oils from the rotor and improve braking power. Do this for the rear wheel as well, then put both wheels back on the bike.

    • 2

      Pick up the bike and spin each wheel individually. While the wheel is spinning, listen for the rotor rubbing on the brakes pads. You will hear a metallic scraping sound if the pads are touching.

    • 3

      Loosen the caliper of the brake that is rubbing using the 5mm Allen wrench. You want to loosen the bolts that attach the caliper to the frame or fork, depending on which side you're working on. The caliper is the device that holds the brake pads. With the caliper loose, spin the affected wheel and then hold down the brake. With the brake held down, look into the gap in the caliper where the brake pads and rotor go. Slide the caliper from side to side to center the rotor between the two pads, then tighten the caliper back down.

    • 4

      Release the brake and spin the wheel. If the scraping continues, repeat the steps above.