Caliper adjustment using pad adjusters.

[r04DiE]

I'm not even sure if 'pad adjusters' is their real name, its just something that sounds right.

I've just fitted new pads to my rear caliper on my Defy 1 Disc and here's what I did.

1. Remove rear wheel
2. Wind cable adjuster fully clockwise
   
3. Remove pin from pad retaining bolt
4. Remove pad retaining bolt
5. Remove pads and spring
6. Insert new pads and spring
7. Insert retaining bolt
8. Insert retaining pin
   
9. Wondered what pad adjusters (as indicated below) do. I mean I suppose you just wind them in or out as needs be, but I have always used the cable for that. Can I use these too?

1. 

 

[Lancsman]

I would use the adjusters to take up any clearance between pad and piston, then use the cable adjuster to remove any lost motion on the arm. That is the common practice on car rear calipers and can only assume it would be the same on a bike caliper.

 

[rusty bearing]

Yep, the adjuster you would use to wind the inner non moving pad as close as possible to the rotor without it rubbing. Then set the cable to operate the brake efficiently. The idea being that if you have a large gap on the non moving side you will deflect the rotor when braking. This sometimes causes nasty squealing noises and not a nice feel to the brake.
Any help?

 

[r04DiE]

Hello guys, thank you - this makes sense.

My calipers have two of these adjusters (there is no "fixed piston"), so I suppose the adjusters are there to make sure that disc isn't pulled one way or the other under braking, as you say.

Thanks again!