How do brake cables work, and how to adjust them
Caliper or brake lever action
On the other end, the brake cable is attached to the brake caliper or brake lever mechanism, depending on the type of brakes you have.
- Rim brakes. If you have rim brakes, the cable is connected to the caliper that clamps brake pads against the wheel rim, causing friction and slowing down wheel rotation.
- Disc brakes. If you have disc brakes, the cable is connected to the brake lever that activates pistons. The pistons push brake pads against a disc rotor attached to the wheel hub, creating friction and slowing down wheel rotation.
Tension regulation
You can adjust the cable tension to ensure the best brake responsiveness. To do this, use the barrel adjusters on the brake lever or calipers and through the cable tension adjustments on the brakes themselves.
Return mechanism
Once you release the brake, a spring or other mechanism returns the brake caliper or lever to its resting position, allowing the brake pads to move away from the wheel.
How to adjust brake cables
Adjusting and tightening brake cables on a bike is a fundamental maintenance task to ensure your brakes are safe and effective. Here is our easy step-by-step guide on how to tighten brake cables.
- Inspect the cable and housing. Before making any adjustments or tightening, inspect the brake cable and housing for signs of wear, fraying and damage. If there is any breakage, replace the cable and housing.
- Identify adjustment points. Most bikes have barrel adjusters on the brake levers or calipers. These allow you to fine-tune the cable tension without loosening the clamp bolt. Additionally, some brake calipers have cable tension adjustment screws.
- Loosen the cable clamp bolt. If you need to make a significant adjustment, you may need to loosen the cable clamp bolt that secures the brake cable to the brake caliper or lever. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt without fully removing it.
- Adjust the barrel adjusters. Turn the barrel adjusters clockwise to tighten the cable and counterclockwise to loosen it. Make small adjustments and test the brake lever after each turn until you achieve the desired brake feel. The goal is to engage the brakes smoothly without excessive force on the lever.
- Adjust the cable tension screw (if applicable). Some brake calipers have a cable tension adjustment screw. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise to increase the cable tension or counterclockwise to decrease it. Make small adjustments and always test the brakes after every turn.
- Test the brakes. After making the adjustments, test the brakes by squeezing the brake levers to ensure they engage smoothly and effectively. Make further adjustments as needed until you’re satisfied with the brake performance.
- Secure cable clamp bolt. Once you’ve achieved your desired tension and brake feel, securely tighten the bolts. Be careful not to over-tighten the cable clamp bolt, which can damage the cable or housing.
Following these steps, you should be able to adjust and tighten your brake cables effectively to improve your braking performance and safety. However, if you’re unsure of any part of the process, consider consulting a bike mechanic.
Is there a difference between mountain and road bike brake cables?
Yes! There are differences between road and MTB brake cables due to the different demands and designs of road and mountain bikes. Here are the key distinctions:
- Diameter and construction. MTB brake cables are typically thicker and more robust than road bike ones. The increased thickness and strength help them withstand the rigours of off-road riding, including terrain, mud, and debris. Road bike cables are generally thinner and lighter as they don’t endure as much abuse, and the bikes need to weigh as little as possible.
- Cable housing. Mountain bike brake cables are often reinforced and have more durable housing to protect them from damage from debris and rough terrain. Road bike brake cables may feature lighter housing for reduced weight and smoother performance on the road.
- Cable end compatibility. The cable end can vary between road and mountain bike brake cables. Road bike brake cables commonly have a rounded end, while mountain bike brake cables may have a barrel or pear-shaped ends, depending on the brake system.
- Brake system compatibility. While road and mountain bikes use rim and disc brake systems, the specific brake systems can vary. Mountain bike brake cables may need to accommodate hydraulic brakes, whereas you may need to optimise road bike cables for specific brake calipers.
Brake cables at Swinnerton Cycles
Now you know how bike cables work, how to adjust bike brakes and their importance in the bike braking system. Whether you need to replace an old or broken bike cable or build a bike from scratch, we have an extensive range of bike brake cables to suit your needs. Discover brake bike cables of various thicknesses, lengths, and brake and bike compatibility in our brake cable collection at Swinnerton.
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