How to Adjust Hydraulic Disc Brakes on a Mountain Bike When They Don't Hold Well?
2 Answers
Loosen the two screws at the front and rear, then push the caliper firmly to the right to evenly distribute the gap between the brake pads and the disc to the right side. Apply even force during adjustment, ensuring the brake pads remain parallel to the disc. Once adjusted, firmly tighten the two fixing screws of the caliper. Ideally, position the disc in the middle between the left and right brake pads to ensure equal distance between the disc and both sets of brake pads.
During my weekend ride, the brakes suddenly failed, which gave me a scare. First, check if the brake pads are severely worn. If they're worn flat, replace them immediately, or there won't be any friction left. Then, inspect the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid level is low, top it up with dedicated brake fluid—don’t cut corners by using other oils. If the fluid level is fine but the brake lever feels spongy, there might be air in the brake line, requiring bleeding: loosen the bleed screw, slowly pump the brake lever a few times to let the air escape, then tighten the screw and test. Always test the brakes after adjustments before riding to ensure reliable stopping power every time. Remember to perform regular maintenance, like checking every quarter, to avoid accidents on the road. After handling it this way, I feel much more at ease on every trip—saving money while ensuring safety. Don’t overlook the details!
