How to Adjust Rubbing Disc Brakes on a Mountain Bike?
2 Answers
Insert the bent tool into the bolt hole where the brake is fixed to the frame, then slightly loosen the brake. Then, with your left hand, firmly squeeze the brake lever to ensure the brake pads are tightly pressed against the disc, and maintain this pressure. Continue until the brake is securely tightened, then release the brake lever to allow it to return to its original position. If the brake pads are aligned correctly, there should be no rubbing.
Last time I encountered an issue with my mountain bike's front brake rubbing against the disc, which was both noisy and troublesome. I figured out my own adjustment method. First, ensure the bike is placed flat and stable, with the wheel able to rotate freely. Loosen the two fixing bolts of the caliper but don't remove them completely—a cross wrench will do. Gently push the caliper towards the side where it's rubbing while testing the wheel rotation until the friction noise stops. Once centered, evenly tighten the bolts without excessive force to avoid misalignment. Check the brake pad thickness; replace them if they're too thin, as it affects braking performance. During regular maintenance, I make sure to clean off mud to prevent jamming, and I always test the brakes before riding to ensure safety. Developing a habit of regular checks and simple adjustments saves time and money, and friends I've shared this with say it works well.
