Shimano xt disc brakes

Ed 81
Ed 81 Posts: 200
edited July 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
When setting up the caliper on a set of disc brakes (Shimano XT) should the rotar be central between the pads? I have bolted the caliper on loose and then sqeezed the lever so the pads are hard againts the rotar then tightened the bolts. When the lever is released one pad is rubbing slightly but the other is a good distance away. The brakes seem to work o.k. Should the rotar be central?

Comments

  • DomA
    DomA Posts: 530
    In an ideal world I think they should, but as long as you don't have either pad rubbing and both pads put pressure on the disk when applied then I THINK you should be fine.

    Dom
    505705811_e0b856800e_t.jpgMaxlight XC>120
  • thingummijigger
    thingummijigger Posts: 107
    just dont do what i did and spin the wheel then try to alighn the caliper slightly until the rubbing stops, the rotor caught my finger against the caliper, and sliced off the nail, and the end of my finger, so i lacked my middle nail, and had to get the nail bed stitched back on :?
    m_18681cb24b302621fe44bd3d8cadd289.gif
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Ed 81 wrote:
    When setting up the caliper on a set of disc brakes (Shimano XT) should the rotar be central between the pads? I have bolted the caliper on loose and then sqeezed the lever so the pads are hard againts the rotar then tightened the bolts. When the lever is released one pad is rubbing slightly but the other is a good distance away. The brakes seem to work o.k. Should the rotar be central?

    you may have a sticky piston.

    yes the pads will rub a bit when new as they will need the edges taking off both the pads and the discs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • gary_fisher3
    gary_fisher3 Posts: 3,466
    Push both pistons fully in.
    Align the caliper centrally.
    Apply the brakes a few times.

    Both pistons should now be moving roughly the same amount. If they arn't then you need to service the brake. (This could just mean a good clean).
  • MattBlackBigBoysBMX
    MattBlackBigBoysBMX Posts: 398
    Surely doing up the bolts will hold the caliper in the same position; the deflection of the disc will be easily overcome.
    I just do the bolts up, squeeze the brakes a few times and if they are off centre add a shimming washer as necessary.
    Wheelies ARE cool.

    Zaskar X
  • gary_fisher3
    gary_fisher3 Posts: 3,466
    The XT ones don't need shims/washers. The bolts holes are sort of oval shaped so you can adjust the position of the caliper.

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