Changing road brake calipers

odessouky
odessouky Posts: 264
edited May 2014 in Workshop
Apologies if this question might sound naive, and I DID search for it, and BR guides show how to ADJUST the brakes, not to change the whole calipers...

So, I've received a Carbon frame bike with some TEKTRO brakes, and I have some shiny new ultegras that I want to install my self.

The guides online look pretty straightforward, BUT on a carbon frame, do I need to be cautious with tightening the bolts? I saw in the Shimano guide that the torque should be xnm, should I get a torque wrench, or just HAND TIGHT will do?.. :wink:

Does it need a bike mechanic to fine tune the cable tension etc...or its a plain simple SWAP?

I have a full set of allen keys, do I need a specific tool as well?

The bike has 105 5700 Shifters, and I am planning to install Ultegra 6700 brakes..

Many thanks

Comments

  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    I've done it, so it must be bloody easy!

    The only thing to watch for it that Tektro brakes can sometimes have an metal end feedy through thing on them (like I know what that's called!) whereas the Shimano ones don't, you can cut it off.

    It really is just a matter of screwing it into the frame then feeding the cable through and clamping it in place.

    You want them just tight enough that you can adjust the callipers by hand. Cable tension is just close the calipers, pull the cable through and then tighten up, although two pairs of hands are useful for that step!

    One problem is the cable end crimpy thingy wotsit, you need something to cut the existing one off and put a new one on, I ended up running without one for a while until the LBS service recabled anyway.
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,223
    This http://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/vid ... ur-brakes/

    I have recently fitted Ultegra capilers it's straight forward. If you don't have a torque wrench, just go easy when tightening the 5mm hollow hex nuts, tighten enough so that the caliper cannot be moved by hand, the bolt threads have thread lock pre-applied. To centre the caliper push the two arms onto the rim while you tighten the nut. Make sure you carry your allen keys with you on the test ride and stop to check security.

    http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 746252.pdf

    If you are going to do you own bike maintenance you might want to consider buying a torque wrench seeing as you have a carbon bike, depends on how confident you are tightening fasteners by feel.

    viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12968553

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