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Easy Bicycle Brake Adjustments

Learn how to replace or fix rubbing brake pads.

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Brakes just rubbing a little bit or need new pads? We can tune up minor brake issues for you.
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Center Pull Bike Brake

Center Pull Cantilever Brakes


Center pull cantilever brakes are a common type of bicycle rim brake. You should be able to pull your handlebar brake levers approximately one inch back to fully engage the brakes. If your cables are too tight you will not be able to pull far enough back and your rims will rub your brake pads. If your cables are too loose your brake levers will pull all the way to your handlebars and not full engage the brakes, this will reduce your braking power.

How To Adjust Center Pull Cantilevel Brakes

York or Link Wire - What Do You Have?

There are two types of cantilever setups available on the market. Traditional brakes use two cables knows as a main cable and a straddle or transverse cable running between the two brake pads. The main cable is attached to the canter of the brake cable by the means of a triangle yoke that will pull up on both brake pads when the brake is pulled.

The second type of setup is with a link wire. Instead of the main cable being attached to the center of the brake with a yolk the main cable runs down the brake and attached directly to one side of the brake pad. This type of setup requires a link wire that will run down the opposite side of the brake as the main cable to supply the braking.

Center Pull Brake Adjustment

There can be a few reasons why your brakes are rubbing. When the brake is not engaged the brake pads should rest an equal distance away from the rim. When the brake lever is pulled both pads should move simultaneously towards the rim of the wheel providing equal pressure to the wheel. When the brake is released both pads should retract providing an equal amount of clearance between both sides of the rim and brake pads. If the brake is off center one pad may rub or in some cases not touch the rim of the wheel.  

Properly Mounted
Check to make sure your brakes are mounted straight. Sometimes your brakes can become crooked causing the pads to rub against the rim. Your brake is attached to your bike frame or fork with bolts. Make sure these bolts are secure, properly positioned and not loose.

Old Cables
As your cables start to wear out they will become looser introducing more slack into your braking system. This will reduce your braking power and cause your brake levers to become looser. With a wrench loosen the bolt clamping your cable to the brake, pull your cable further through and clamp the cable back.

Bike Disc Brake Repair Tune Up

Disc Brake Adjustments

Here you will learn how to do simple disc brake adjustments on your own. If you can you hear your disc brake rubbing or squeaking against your rotor you probably need to make an adjustment.

Squeaking while braking
Your disc brakes shouldn't be squeaking or noisy while you brake. If you find that your braking is too loud the main reason is probably a dirty rotor. This can sometimes be fixed with a quick rubbing alcohol cleaning.

1. Turn your bike upside down on its seat and handle bar so the wheels are facing up in the air.
2. Take a rag or paper towel and place a rubbing alcohol in the center.
3. Place the part of the towel with the rubbing alcohol over the rotor covering the inside and outside of the rotor with the alcohol.
4. With the towel on the rotor slowly turn the wheel, the rotor will turn with the wheel while being cleaned. Continue turning the wheel for 20-30 seconds or until the rotor is clean.
5. Repeat this process with a clean part of the towel and more rubbing alcohol.