How to Adjust Your Bicycle Brakes

Brakes help you stop safely when you ride your bike. If brakes feel weak, rub the wheel, or squeak, you need to fix them. We show you how to make bike brakes work great again.

1. Why Brake Adjustment Matters

• Helps you stop fast and safe.
• Stops rubbing or squeaky noise.
• Makes brakes last longer.

2. What You Need

• Allen keys (hex keys)
• Small wrench or pliers
• Optional: a clean cloth

3. Step-by-Step Guide

A. Test the Brake Lever

1. Pull brake lever.
2. If lever reaches the handlebar easily, cable is too loose.
3. If lever is hard to pull, cable is too tight.
4. Ideal: lever moves 2 fingers (about 3–4 cm) before it feels hard.

B. Use the Barrel Adjuster

1. Find the barrel adjuster at the lever or caliper.
2. Turn it counter-clockwise to tighten how soon the pads touch.
3. Turn clockwise to make the lever pull easier.
4. Lock the small nut if there is one.

C. Adjust Cable Tension

1. If lever still feels off, loosen the cable bolt on the brake arm using an Allen key.
2. Pull cable to tighten or let cable slip to loosen.
3. Tighten the bolt again.

D. Move the Brake Pads

1. Check if pads are hitting the wheel rim in the center.
2. Use an Allen key to loosen the pad bolt.
3. Shift pad so it sits flat on the rim.
4. Toe-in the pads slightly (front edge touches first) to stop squeak.
5. Tighten the pad bolt.

E. Center the Brake Arms

1. Squeeze the brake arms so pads lightly touch rim.
2. Loosen the main bolt behind the brakes.
3. Center the arms so pads are even on both sides.
4. Tighten the bolt back.

F. Test Your Brakes

• Spin the wheel. No rubbing if pads don’t touch.
• Pull the lever hard; wheel should stop quickly and safely.
• If not perfect, tweak barrel adjuster again.

4. Simple Safety Tips

• Clean the rims or rotors when pads change.
• Check pads wear regularly. Replace when grooves are gone.
• Keep cables smooth—add a drop of light oil if stuck.