How to Adjust Bike Brake Pads

From time to time, the brake pads on the front and/or rear of your bike tires should be adjusted for optimal performance. Through normal wear and tear, these pads wear out due to friction with bicycle rim. If you ride off-road '" such as mountain biking '" the rough terrain can also cause the brake assembly to become loose over time. In either case, adjusting your brake pads is a quick and easy process that requires few tools and little mechanical know-how.

Step 1
Inspect your brake pads for signs of wear. Make sure the rubber pads are not worn through to the metal and are wearing evenly on both sides.

Step 2
Check your brake assembly '" the horseshoe-shaped metal assembly holding your brake pads '" to make sure the brake wire is not fraying. Also check that there are no cracks or rust holes. If so, replace the brake assembly by contacting the manufacturer or visiting a bike shop.

Step 3
Find the bolt that holds the brake assembly together. It is located in the center just above the wheel '" it holds the two metal pieces of the brake assembly together. Loosen it just enough to allow the brake assembly to move freely. Some bikes may require you to use two wrenches, Allen wrench or other specialized tool to loosen the nut/bolt.

Step 4
Locate the brake wire once again. There's an adjustment barrel located a few inches from the tip of the wire. Turn this adjustment barrel with your hand until the brake pad tension is where you want it. Loosening it will push the brake pads away from the wheel; tightening will bring them closer.

Step 5
Tighten the center bolt back up, and test it before hitting the road.

Tip:
Position the brake pads very close to the wheel for more responsive braking. Positioning them further from the wheel will ensure they do not scrape the wheel, but it will require you to squeeze the brake lever much further to stop.

Warnings:
You must test the brake assembly while off the bike first '" do so by walking alongside it and squeezing the brake lever. Next, take it on a slow ride to test it before going full speed.