How to Align a Mechanical Disc Brake on a Bike

Рет қаралды 1,858,392

Күн бұрын

A rubbing or underperforming disc brake can often make a ride frustrating. Regardless of brand and model, this article will help you gain the knowledge you need to adjust mechanical disc brakes to solve annoying noises or weak brake feel.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
See all our disc brake videos in our Disc Brake Repair Help playlist ▶︎ • Repair Help: Disc Brakes
Video contents:
00:00 Preliminary Information
03:10 Alignment Procedure
04:45 Alignment Procedure: Single Lever Arm - Dual Adjustment
05:38 Alignment Procedure: Single Lever Arm - Single Adjustment
06:21 Alignment Procedure: Dual Lever Arm
07:09 Final Adjustments
10:15 Other Considerations
➤ Tools & materials used:
• Hex & Torx Compatible Tools - www.parktool.com/category/hex...
• CN-10 Professional Cable and Housing Cutter - www.parktool.com/product/prof...
• ATD-1.2 Adjustable Torque Driver - www.parktool.com/product/adju...
For a text-based walk-through of this process: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...
➤ Subscribe: kzfaq.info...
➤ Like: / parktool
➤ Follow: / parktoolblue
➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our KZfaq Channel: / parktool
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-h...
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: www.parktool.com/product/big-b...
➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our KZfaq channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.
➤ More Disc Brake Repair Help:
• How to Replace Brake Pads on a Bike - Disc Brakes ▶︎ • How to Replace Bicycle...
• How to Replace a Disc Brake Rotor on a Bike ▶︎ • How to Replace a Bicyc...
• How to Align a Hydraulic Disc Brake on a Bike ▶︎ • How to Align a Hydraul...
• How to True a Bicycle Disc Brake Rotor ▶︎ • How to True a Bicycle ...

Пікірлер: 661

@toddd.8496 2 жыл бұрын

This is not only the best tutorial video on brake adjustments I have ever seen... it's one of the best tutorial videos on ANY subject I have ever seen! The production quality is through the roof! Thank you!

@shawnyboi8147 Жыл бұрын

Yes fuck GMBN TECH

@danoedalo 5 жыл бұрын

I have no words to describe how deep and thoughtful this guide is, after all those fruitless efforts to adjust those brakes it's like I found a treasure. Just plain awesome.

@jonbachelor 4 жыл бұрын

Along with so many others here, I want to say thank you for this fantastic video explanation. I've been reading manuals and watching lesser videos, but nothing got my wheels spinning freely until I found this one. Thank you so much, Park!!

@samlugo6450 5 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so clear and perfect. I love how you use those 3-D images to help us see closer and see what you're talking about keep up the good work

@CFLavertu 3 жыл бұрын

The video is just simply flawless! Subscribed without any second thought! I’d pay him at least 10$ for this video because he saved me 40$

@David199701 4 жыл бұрын

This video is one of the clearest and most useful ones I've seen so far. The animations and drawings on top make it easy to see what is mentioned by the speaker. Also, you covered all caliper types which is very useful. In my case, I have a one sided caliper and I wanted to adjust the lever travel, so as for the previous generation of brakes, I pulled the cable. This solution is wrong, and now I see why thanks to this video! Thank you for making this useful guide

@Girlbytes Жыл бұрын

Wonderful, clear and concise video! Was able learn in less than 15 mins how to adjust my brakes without guessing and throwing them further out of balance. Truly a life saver and got me on the road. Thank you thank you!!!

@astromonkey7120 5 жыл бұрын

Its pretty rare this much quality on a how to do it video. Great job dude!

@PokeySoggybottom 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! My brakes are nicely back in alignment. By far the clearest instructional video of ANY kind I've ever seen. Beauty!

@acynnon 4 жыл бұрын

The best and easiest to understand video out there for adjusting your mechanical disc brakes hands down. Thanks!

@deadclocks5828 2 жыл бұрын

After many years & some rotten luck with my car, I am now back on the bike. I needed info on a few things while assembling my mtn bike & came across Park Tool’s vids which lead me to their website, there are plenty of ‘How to’ videos, all very detailed & clear/precise. Thankyou to the Park Tool team.

@stuartobbard8135 Жыл бұрын

I have to agree that this is a superlative tutorial. I find all the Park Tools videos excellent. Many thanks for being clear and explaining the principles as well as which bits to turn.

@botWi 5 жыл бұрын

This is the best! I fixed my brakes in 1 minute just following this video instructions. Thank you.

@RoleWithADDvantage 4 жыл бұрын

I sure love your guys videos. I am a complete novice and have been able to do all my own repairs and fixes because of your explanations and guidance, and I have a recumbent trike, so it's even a little more complicated generally than what you show. Thank you so much for offering these services

@partickthistled594 Жыл бұрын

I've had a bike brake adjustment phobia since I was a kid. Your step-by-step video cured it. Thanks you.

@luvthylive 3 жыл бұрын

By far the most detailed video on mechanical disc brake adjustments. Thank you!

@AJ-kz6xz 5 жыл бұрын

I did everything to fix my brakes but not a single method gave satisfactory results, until i watched this video. Thank you for such a great video. Will definitely subscribe you sir.

@shumeister1059 4 жыл бұрын

I learnt so much, thank you! This is my first time attempting to fix a hand me down mtb with disc brakes. And you really helped de-mystify the subject.

@robjavqa 2 жыл бұрын

I watched several videos on this subject, I have to say yours is the best and clearest by far. Not only clear, well presented, and with a superior production quality, but accurate. Other presentations are not only shaky, and repetitive, but outright wrong, or ay least sloppy and long winded. Well done ✨✨✨✨✨

@rcs2003 6 жыл бұрын

This is the best how-to guide for mechanical disc brakes. I tried so many methods on setting up brakes, but neither was perfect... until i watched your video. Thanks!

@BAMFK 6 жыл бұрын

how often i must to do this? i never had mech brakes

@abdelkaderbennaoum3882 5 жыл бұрын

Booger not very often, usually as a first time setup for a new brake, afterwards, you would only need to adjust the stationary pad as it wears.

@joanoconnor8552 Жыл бұрын

This is excellent. I just put my bike back together after a shop packed it for me and they removed the disc brakes. Your video explained precisely why the brakes were rubbing. So glad I found your tutorial.

@MediumHalf Жыл бұрын

Park, your instructional videos are an absolute treasure. Everyone involved in these kicks ass!

@yamyamama1325 3 жыл бұрын

Finally, he names the parts and goes step by step with good video. Excellent. Thank you.

@tieuchan284 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are amazing. Thank you for sharing such well-produced and clear to understand video along with precise narratives. Cheers and I love you guys.

@neilembrey3074 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, lots of information clearly presented to walk you through a bit of a minefield with so many different types of brake. Replaced and aligned my brakes in no time. Thinking I might set up my own bike shop now. Thanks PTs.

@Seranrod 3 жыл бұрын

I DEFINITELY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! They make it so easy to understand and so clear! It's almost personalized! THANK YOU. A BIG THANK YOU!

@puregibberish Ай бұрын

I'm just here to repeat what others have already said, this is by -far- the best tutorial on brake adjustment I've found. As a total newbie that ended up with squeaky and loose brakes after a pad replacement this was a life saver. Thank you.

@artmakersworlds 4 жыл бұрын

This was a great help. Just got a bike frame with a front disk brake. I never had one before so this is all new to me. Fantastic job. I can go back now and actually adjust these correctly.

@charlesr.carney6297 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this excellent tutorial on aligning disc brake calipers. After watching this I successfully adjusted and aligned my bike calipers and they work great.

@betrisdale21 4 жыл бұрын

This was absolutely wonderful! Excellent video and great information. I would not have been able to get the brakes aligned on my new bike without it.

@brainiac1128 3 жыл бұрын

Best video I have found on this subject. I was able to see all the parts clearly, learned a lot and fixed my bike..

@Yomomsaltima 3 жыл бұрын

Ya I'm here cuz I like to learn myself but I just have my dad do wat I need

@reginajustisia Жыл бұрын

Thanks very useful video ;)

@andrewcourtney3480 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Park Tools - big help!! As a guy who's just got into biking I was nervous about making adjustments by myself but the video is very clear and the timestamps definitely help a lot.

@g.p.b. Жыл бұрын

I appreciate you guys posting all of these how to videos. you guys are really good at explaining things and I have learned a lot.

@bhud1972 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! I just bought a bike online and the front brakes would hardly allow the front wheel to turn freely. After watching this video, I completely solved my problem. Brakes work great and wheel turns freely. Thankful for you helping hand!

@davehunt6993 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video. I usually like quicker more concise instructions, but the detail and explanations were worth the wait. I appreciate the help - now subscribed.

@assanfakkir 7 ай бұрын

It really helped it clear and made it very simple to tune my escooter noisy disk brake. You guys do an incredible job ! I just come to your channel first for any bike related doubts.

@ar47yrr4p 2 жыл бұрын

I'm only 3 minutes in but your info was all I needed to finally adjust my brakes on my newly purchased bike. My bike has been sitting in a spare room for 2 weeks now because the only bike repair shop in my city is booked solid for months and my front brakes were rubbing and I couldn't figure out how to adjust it. But 3 minutes in and 10 minutes on my bike and it's now working perfectly. Thank you!

@user619tlsdca5 2 жыл бұрын

Watched over 20 vids of Bike tech work and your channel of this video is very good of explaining the system as Clear Picture of Work. Im glad I can subscribe to this channel.

@pjflynn 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, thank you. I am a septuagenarian who received the present of a recumbent tricycle which I pedal all over town and extended trails. I have ridden bicycles at a much earlier time but never learned the mechanics involved. Your video is very well detailed.

@hmrc1475 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. Clear. Simple. Easy. I was about to unbolt the whole lot and thought I'd look at a video first because i couldn't work out how it all worked - this has saved me a lot of time thanks, possibly saved me an accident too becasue my brakes are poor due to lack of adjustment, as i didnt know how

@ianwilcoxson1579 4 жыл бұрын

After much frustration trying for hours and almost giving up when I just couldn’t get my brakes to work, I followed this video to the word and now I have brakes that actually stop me, great video

@fish-hawk5903 Жыл бұрын

I was considering the rim-brake version of the road bike I want, because I was wary of disc brake adjustment... ...this video has made it simple, I now have no doubt about the advantage of disc brakes. Thanks!

@edwardrowland1853 5 жыл бұрын

Best brake instruction I've seen, very good!very efficient!

@128Kgames 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, had never built a bike with disc brakes before so this was extremely helpful in setting up the proper alignment.

@Rujewitblood 4 жыл бұрын

This is such a good and clear video, everything you need, was going to take my bike down to the shop to get it looked at, but gonna try and work it out myself now

@hans1386 2 жыл бұрын

best and most detail easy to understand instruction video so far !! thanks keep up the good work

@dgtran 4 жыл бұрын

Your video is crystal clear and to-the-point! Thank you!!!

@FutureDocta 8 ай бұрын

For 2 years I've been struggling with brakes and getting poor results. This video just helped me fix my brakes! Thank you so much!

@orepoutanes 2 жыл бұрын

BEST video around!! Really informative and step by step guide!! Thanks a LOT!!

@EuroYank 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I was having trouble with vertical rotor alignment between the pads. As soon as I tightened the mounting bolts, the alignment was thrown off. Through a process of elimination, the video helped me discover that the problem was my axle was not perfectly seated in the fork dropouts. I re-installed the wheel and voila!, no more misalignment.

@NOYOURNOTHARDC0RE 9 ай бұрын

Just installed new brake pads and encountered the dreaded rubbing. Looked like the caliper/rotor alignment wasn't parallel - had a fiddle with the caliper body bolts and managed to get that wheel turning smoothly! Great level of visual explanation in this video, exactly what I needed.

@larrysee7306 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff ! Thanks for the tutorial-especially the (many) different type of calipers. You saved me the cost and inconvenience of a trip to the LBS.

@specops420 2 жыл бұрын

This guy is a professional i followed the steps which were clearly explained and now brakes are perfect thank you

@waldoreboredoarroyo7193 9 ай бұрын

Excellent closeups, process descriptions, general explanations. Congrats!

@PeanutCrumbs 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, fantastic video tutorial! Great shots that clearly explain various hardware types and how to work with them.

@Lizzie81sml 5 жыл бұрын

Finally, a tutorial I found useful and easy to understand. Great explanation.

@dukelamode1993 2 жыл бұрын

I’m about to fight my mechanical disc brakes

@FreeKayflock187 2 ай бұрын

Wrd ts madd annoying

@dalegreenaway 2 ай бұрын

It's no fight actually very easy. Even bleeding. You get the hang of it with practice. Purchase isopropyl, degreaser, and kitchen paper towel. You can clean the pads with the above.

@wesamabdulrazaq9174 Ай бұрын

I’m abt to break my bike from anger

@robertojustus8567 15 күн бұрын

It literally almost took out my finger

@cruznfl340 2 жыл бұрын

Finally!! A video that explains what those adjustment screws in the middle of the caliper are for. I turned mine both ways and didn't notice anything moving so I wasn't sure what they were for. I'll just try them again and look closer. Overall a great video.

@nathanvanhumbeeck1420 2 жыл бұрын

Followed the instructions and everything is fixed! Thanks a lot and keep up the good work :)

@charlescarlson1290 2 жыл бұрын

A very clear and concise video! Really helped me do the brake replacement.

@jkmwpc Жыл бұрын

Thank you, that was a great explanation of how the brakes work. Now it all makes sense!

@ni3d4888 Жыл бұрын

The best video that describes nuances of disc brakes. Other videos do not touch upon many important points.

@erickcardenas3699 2 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias por sus videos, me costaba mucho trabajo dejar los frenos a punto pero con estos vídeos todo va bien Muchas gracias a TODO el equipo de park tool saludos desde México

@VeauX1902 3 жыл бұрын

I was struggling in trying to understand my bike manual... this is clearer than water! Thanks

@Dainslaif 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this in depth tutorial - I didn't know disc brakes had a lateral adjustment to them, and properly setting them with the technique at 4:46 fixed a rubbing issue I was having.

@audiofella5066 4 жыл бұрын

Man park tool is the BEST!!!! I'm good with rim brakes but new to dealin with disc and I've been gettin pissed off trying to adjust these shimano single side adjust brakes but this video really helped man thanks!!!!

@tHoM0r Жыл бұрын

Awesome, this helped me today. Easy to follow, and since you broke it down into logical steps, it's easy to remember the process. Cheers

@lous4806 5 ай бұрын

Been watching many videos and took me 2 weeks to find this very best informative video. I ride bike rarely. Just bought a rear ebike conversion. The rotor is rubbing on the pads. Didn't know rotor can slide left or right a lil if need to. I tried using washers to space it but washers is too thick

@slicedpineapple1992 6 жыл бұрын

Very helpful and high quality! Thank you!

@darrenholcombe5781 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video quality and instruction. Doesn’t get any better. Thanks

@johnhouston8297 4 жыл бұрын

Who knew?! Great format and great teaching... Easy to follow, thank you!

@sharifsircar 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah I have been adjusting the arm instead and noticed the arm is getting really close to the caliper itself. Thank you so much! Finally understand how the whole thing works

@yashwasnothere4981 2 жыл бұрын

This is really amazing, straight to the point and not so much talking

@SEPPERLLL0 3 жыл бұрын

very cool video, explaining all aspects of mechanical disc brakes so nicely!! thanks!

@reversemyopia 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video!! Covers all the aspects in a thorough manner.

@pitzahoot4618 6 жыл бұрын

It is a great time to be alive. Thank you so much :D

@MLeoM 3 жыл бұрын

Loving this channel. Just discovered it today. Great learning place for me as I am planning to buy a ride that I can afford.

@nmejias370 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks bro! I had been trying to fix and adjust my bikes for ages without realising that my brake disc had to be adjusted from the othet side as well! Thank you 😎👍

@martinsaint2182 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, learned what I needed to deal with my first disc brake set up, THANK YOU :)

@yuuri2523 3 жыл бұрын

thanks i have adjusted my disk brake already because of this video you have,thanks a lot☺️

@morsiosman3843 3 жыл бұрын

Dear I really appreciate your efforts , Big like from Egypt 🇪🇬 😍

@richards.4116 4 жыл бұрын

OMG, I was going to take my bike into a shop with 200 miles because one pad kept pressure on one side only with a squeal. A simple adjustment loosening two mounting bolts. Also found they were not tightened down enough or had become loose. THANK YOU for the video.

@praisehauler 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. My electric Ariel Rider Rideal is 90 pounds going 20 MPH. I've changed tires but the brakes just aren't cutting it since I had it apart. I need the front brake and there's nothing. I didn't realize the arm needed as much travel as possible. I was moving it up on the cable, old school mechanical. Nor did I know about disk adjustment from the side. I did have the sense to hold the brake to get alignment and snug the caliper. No problem with my 2020 Schwinn Ascension 29 tho. Got monster mud tires on it now barely fitting the frame. They're huge! Thank you.

@dkcanuck Жыл бұрын

Best how to video I have seen in a long time! Well done

@OxYgeNAddIcT4 7 ай бұрын

My old bike shop in the 90's used park tools and they are the best! You guys know your stuff and make great videos apparently as well. Thanks for the great guide, i need to get one of those little T shaped torque allen wrenches.

@pacmancalgary 5 жыл бұрын

This video helped me adjust my, notoriously difficult, Tektro Lyra brakes. Thank you

@neilraagas8402 9 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot for this crystal clear mechanical disc brake tutorial

@user-im8np1zf5b Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation of the process of fully tuning the disc mechanical brakes, I couldn't adjust my brakes for a long time until I found your video, now my brakes are working correctly. thanks from Ukraine

@zachary7042 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, this was very helpful. I was worried this would be difficult but I was done in like 10 minutes!

@gamernaotaku1095 3 жыл бұрын

BEST GUIDE for persons who need a knowledge for Adjusting brakes, like me... Thanks a lot, please keep making more videos! Keep safe and god bless!

@parktool 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@calyfornykid 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, easy to understand, gets right to the point he makes you feel like you known him all your life.

@corvus161 6 жыл бұрын

Love the depth of video ! Please keep it up

@flawless_ether Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video fixed my brakes this morning there was alot of wobble on the disc rotary rubbing on pads managed to strengthen everything out thanks

@petek1pml746 4 жыл бұрын

Just got my first bike with mech brakes, build came with no instructions but your video will help me a lot. Ty

@jurisbartosevics2759 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful, clear and concise video!

@narratorjay 9 күн бұрын

Thank you thank you! Last night I split my thumb open on a spoke getting nowhere, this morning I followed the first few minutes of your tutorial, realised I had the 'wide socket' adjustment variant and swapped out my wobbly disc at the second attempt. Chapeau!

@edgartan4532 11 ай бұрын

GOOD ! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO, THIS REALLY HELP THOSE WHO HAD CABLE PULL TYPE DISK BRAKE.👍👍

@thunder3047 3 жыл бұрын

Best video ever Very clear and illustrated Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌

@michaelpritchard1249 4 жыл бұрын

Great explanation for centering a caliper for disc breaks...I was having a rough time with it...

@tasty_fish 4 жыл бұрын

Mind-blowing to a novice, but all clearly explained. Didn't realise one brake had so many adjustable parts!

@melgebrelc.manayon1439 3 жыл бұрын

I was like a potato fixing my bike before watching this ahhha

@jonalfryabreu2881 3 жыл бұрын

RIGHT?!

@Bonjour-World 2 жыл бұрын

>>Didn't realise one brake had so many adjustable parts!

@jimjohnson8984 Жыл бұрын

@@melgebrelc.manayon1439 kk

@uncrunch398 Жыл бұрын

@@Bonjour-World Still much worth the switch.

@ProudlyConfused 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the great video - I bought a new bike online and my heart sunk when i connected the wheel and the disc was grinding, you're video was clear and allowed me to make the right adjustments quickly and easily!

@silkysmoothdaddy 4 жыл бұрын

Craig Glaser I have the same problem with my new E bike. What part of the video worked best for you as far as getting that grinding halted?