Adjusting tension on brake

[ChrisV]

I have disc brakes on my hybrid (Shimano BR-M355, Hydraulic Disc) and managed to figure out how to adjust the pads (or whatever they are called).

However, one of the brakes, possibly the front, isn't tight enough when I pull it. I don't know if the cable needs shortened, something needs tightened etc.

I have a very limited understanding of maintenance - is this straight toward to adjust?

 

[Tim Hall]

Given that (a) it's a hydraulic brake, so no cables to adjust and (b) you don't know whether it's the front or rear brake, can I suggest you don't risk life and limb and take it to your LBS?

 

[Roadrider48]

Needs bleeding!

 

[lpretro1]

More likely the pads are worn sop lever is going a long way back - either way he needs an LBS

 

[ChrisV]

There's not a lot of mileage on it so pads definitely not worn.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Hydraulic bakes don't change their travel when pads wear out. It is not like cable brakes. Hydraulics self-adjust as pads wear and you can see that by the way the fluid level drops and then suddenly comes back when you fit new pads.

Secondly, bleeding brakes is not the panacea of all hydraulic brake problems. The number of times that story is repeated in spite of the fact that it does not solve the problem, is incredible.

@OP. If you pump the lever, does the brakes harden up? If yes, then, if you leave it for an hour or so and pull the lever, is it soft again? If yes, then bleed.

If no, then the problem is not bleeding.

Many hydraulic brake levers have two adjustments: reach and bite point. The reach adjustment simply positions the lever for comfort. It has no effect on how far the lever travels before biting. The bite point adjustment has nothing to do with where the lever rests and everything to do with where the brakes start to take (bite) when pulling. Research your model's instructions and see if it has any of these adjustments. Think about bite point and reach and go play with your brakes a bit and decide which of the two is the problem.

 

[Roadrider48]

Take it to the shop mate and they will bleed them for you.

 

[Tim Hall]

Take it to the shop mate and they will bleed them for you.

Even if they don't need it?

 

[Roadrider48]

Even if they don't need it?

I dunno, what do you think?

 

[Tim Hall]

I dunno, what do you think?

It's just your post came immediately after one that suggested that brake bleeding wasn't necessarily the answer.

 

[Roadrider48]

It's just your post came immediately after one that suggested that brake bleeding wasn't necessarily the answer.

Everyone has a different opinion on here. Even if you know 100% that you're right, someone will say you are wrong.
That's why I don't usually comment on repairs and such like.