Help tuning mechanical disk brakes

LornGBR
LornGBR Posts: 4
edited September 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I have recently purchased a bike that has front and rear mechanical disk brakes. I need someone to tell me how to tune them because I just cant get my head round it and they are useless just now. Im just learning so excuse me if I dont sound very technical! Firstly I have an allen key that adjusts the disk, then ive got the lever on the cable then obviously the adjuster on the brake lever. In which order do you set these and how do you do it. Thanks for any respenses in advance!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    what make and model of mech disc are they?

    if you do not know nice clear pictures as they do not all work the same way.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • LornGBR
    LornGBR Posts: 4
    They are promax. Not too sure of the model though. Cant see that anywhere
  • irony
    irony Posts: 43
    Spin the wheel and adjust the caliper until the inner pad is as close to the disc as possible - you can listen for this as well as sight down the pad so that you see a hairline gap between the pad and disc.

    Then adjust the outer caliper pad so it is as close as possible to disc. Spin the wheel and listen for rubbing.

    Ride it around and fiddle as necessary with the settings.
    2750921120_2950536dcb_s.jpg
  • LornGBR
    LornGBR Posts: 4
    Thanks for your reply. Ive just set them and the front one now seems fine. The back is still not right. How can I tell the model of my pads. Think I need new ones!
  • modm3
    modm3 Posts: 7
    If it's a new bike, the pads will need a few miles to bed in - especially the rear, also budget mech brakes require a harder pull on the lever to apply the power. You should have the pads adjusted that you can stop the bike with a 2 finger pull, otherwise it's not going to have the same stopping power. Have mech brakes on mine, was going to change to a wet setup but have now got these working better - not great, but better.

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