Servicing Breaks (?) How To Adjust

MLMercer said:

Can anyone provide any instructions on how to tighten break cables? My rear break lever is almost touching the handlebar grip!! :eek:

I would love to be able to fix it myself - I have found web links that give instructions on how to adjust the gears but nothing on breaks 😎

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!!

MLM :o

Shimano, Campy, or other (I'm assuming road)? I would check the pads first to make sure they are not worn down too much. I know on my Campy's there's a wear indicator line. Shimano (at least with my Ultegra's) uses a small screw that will rub against the rim if it's worn down too much (very noisy). If the pads are good. All you have to do is open the brake calipers up first. With Shimano and others like Cane Creek there is a lever right on the caliper that when flipped up, will open the caliper up. With Campy this is done at the lever by pushing the upper post toward the outside causing the lever to collapse inward. Once this is done, you merely have to loosen the set screw with an allen wrench enough so the cable slides freely. Pull the cable tighter (not too much at first) so there is slightly more excess cable protruding beyond the caliper and re-tighten slightly. Close the calipers and check to see if it is suitable. With Shimano, I make them pretty tight and then back it out a bit with the small lever on the caliper. I generally don't like them too tight though since you run the risk of rubbing a bit if the wheel isn't perfectly true. But it's a matter of preference. Just a note of caution: Check to make sure the cable is in good shape (not frayed or rusted where the screw was peviously). A brake cable is easier to install than a titanium screw in your leg or collarbone if the cable snaps on a fast downhill. :eek:
Good luck!
Pete

MLMercer said:

Can anyone provide any instructions on how to tighten break cables?

See:
parktool.comFAQindex.shtmlOpen ↗