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How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle

Introduction

This guide will give an in-depth demonstration of how to tune single pivot caliper brakes on a bicycle in addition to our project show tips and tricks with important cautions during disassembly.

What you need

  1. How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle, How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 1, image 1 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle, How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 1, image 2 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle, How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Set bike up on bike stand or have someone hold onto the bike, keeping it balanced.

    • Pull on brake levers so that the brakes pads are touching the edge of the rim.

    • If the top edge on either side of the brakes are misaligned with the top edge of the rim, your brake calipers will need to be tuned.

    Edit

  2. How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 2, image 1 of 2 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Using a 10 mm wrench, back out of the barrel adjuster on the brake calipers 2-3 turns.

    • With the same 10 mm wrench, loosen the pinch bolt at the bottom of brake caliper to release the brake wire.

    • Loosening the pinch bolt is optional.

    Edit

  4. How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 3, image 1 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 3, image 2 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • With the 10 mm wrench, loosen the bolt connecting the brake caliper to the frame of the bicycle.

    • Adjust the brake caliper so that it is centered with the tire and rim. Tighten bolt back up when finished.

    • You may have to repeat this step a few times to ensure the caliper is centered with the tire and rim.

    Edit

  5. How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 4, image 1 of 2 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Take the 10 mm wrench and loosen the bolt on the back side of the brake pad.

    • Adjust the brake pads position on the rim by sliding it up and down along the surface of the rim until it is centered.

    • When finished, tighten the bolt for the brake pad back up to hold its position.

    • Adjusting the brakes may take several attempts.

    • The brake pad should not touch the tire at all.

    Edit

  6. How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Tune Single Pivot Caliper Brakes on a Bicycle: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Pull on the the brake lever to adjust the pad clearance from the brake line.

    • Tighten the barrel adjuster at the brake caliper.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Charles

Member since: 02/22/18

121 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 2

Team

University of Memphis, Team S4-G6, Baddour Spring 2018 Member of University of Memphis, Team S4-G6, Baddour Spring 2018

UM-BADDOUR-S18S4G6

2 Members

1 Guide authored

One Comment

How do u fix the mounting bolt to the front caliper that connects brake to bike that bolt where do I get one

cliffowens2 - Reply

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