The routine adjustment and fine-tuning of brakes and gears on a bike is a good practice that elongates the bike’s life. The process helps to make the bike perform better. A perfectly functioning bike is not fuel efficient but also ensures safety. You need to consider two main factors when adjusting the braking system. Those are the brake pads and brake cables.
Proper Care for Your Bike
Adjusting the brake pads ensures that your bike stays in excellent condition for a long time. You need to have some of these accessories to ensure the safety of your bike. For instance, the paddock stand for bike keeps it stable. It is also useful when changing the tyres or lubricating the chain. It ensures that the bike will not move an inch.
Such motorcycle accessories help in the maintenance of the bike. There are maintenance products that remove the iron and dirt from the brake pads. It ensures that the brakes have a long life and remain functional. Other accessories like the bike tyre inflator help to inflate the deflated tyre in emergencies.
Adjustment and Fine-Tuning of Brakes and Gears on a Bike Process
- Align the Brakes
Before fixing the brakes and gears, it is imperative to have the right tools. Take the brake callipers and get the alignment to the correct position. First, run the brake calliper to the bottom and then back out one full turn.
It is easier this way to tighten the calliper brakes. You can tighten the bolts by taking them to the right spot. Ensure you use the calliper bolts with a washer on the bolt head. Without the washer, the calliper will turn towards the direction towards which the bolt turns.
- Squeeze the Brake Lever to Centre the Calliper
The adjustment and fine-tuning of brakes and gears on a bike involve using the calliper. You use the calliper to loosen or tighten the bolts. However, keep it tight enough. Spin the wheel and see if the rotor rubs with the brake pads. The first step of aligning the callipers depends on how well the pistons move.
- Use a Tool for Calliper Alignment
It is best to use a dedicated calliper alignment tool, even though it is optional. If you cannot carry out the steps mentioned above as it is, then you can use the calliper tools to do so. Place the alignment tool on one side of the rotor and one side of the calliper. The tool helps to leave a certain amount of space on each side of the rotor. Tighten the calliper to see if the rotor is rubbing.
Cable Tension in Adjusting Brakes
Alter the cable tension as you drive more miles. The reason behind it is a phenomenon called “cable stretch”. It does not mean the cable stretches; it settles in the casing. Use the barrel adjuster. To preserve smooth shifting, you need to alter the length of the cable.
When you use clockwise motion on the barrel adjuster for the adjustment and fine-tuning of brakes and gears on a bike, you screw in the adjuster. It helps to remove the tension. It reduces the space between the cables. Turning it counterclockwise screws it out, increasing the cable’s tension by expanding the space.
How to Add Cable Tension
Here is the process of how to add cable tension in the process of adjustment:
Firstly shift to the smallest cog. When you pedal the bike, shift one cog. To do so, you need to click on the shifter lever. If the derailleur fails to move the chain, add a one-fourth turn of the cable tension. Add it counterclockwise on the adjuster. Try again, and the derailleur will quickly shift.
For the adjustment and fine-tuning of brakes and gears on a bike, you must allow following another process. You can remove cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster in clockwise motions one-quarter each time.
Use this process to shift into the larger rings. Shift back to the smallest rings after adding to the largest cog. You can remove the cable tension after the completion of the shift. Carry on this process until the shifting is seamless and has no uncharacteristic noise.
How to Do Regular Maintenance on Your Bike
- Stand on your bike upside down, and let the bike rest on the handlebars.
- If the rotor is spaced unevenly inside the brake calliper, then adjust it
- Spin the wheel to see if there are any bent rotors or not.
End Note
By knowing the correct process of adjustment and fine-tuning of brakes and gears on a bike, you can safeguard your bike in the long run. Other than adjusting the brakes, it will also improve the riding experience. All you have to do is check whether the wheels are sitting correctly. You can always use the essential tools from Carorbis.com to look after your bike. The tools help to repair and maintain the life of the bike.
Also, you can read this: Understanding Windshield Damage: DIY Repair vs. Professional Assistance
