Mechanical brakes tension problem

[jorgemartin]

First time I ever do this. I've replaced my hydraulics for mechanical disc brakes (Avid BB5). The front brake is working fine and is crisp and responsive. The rear one doesn't have enough pull. I've turned out the barrel adjusters and is a bit better but they're really far away now to the point that water can get in contact with the inner... I've used a tiny leatherman-type plier to pull the brake cable as much as I could before tightening it. Do I have to pull much harder than this? What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

 

[GrasB]

• get the alignment of the disc to pad right
• put 2-3 turns of tension adjustment on the cable adjuster
• gently clamp the cable so you can still pull the inner through but the inner is gripped a little
• at the calliper apply the brake firmly
• pull the brake cable through with your spare hand, you shouldn't need pliers
• tighten down the cable properly
• release the pressure on the brake calliper
• remove the 2-3 turns of tension adjustment on the cable

The wheel should now spin freely with a small amount of lever movement before the pads bite. If the disk is rubbing re-centre the calliper on the disc or true the disc which ever is needed, there is more than enough clearance on the disc for everything to spin free.

 

[MacB]

Jorge, follow these instructions and you won't go far wrong:-

http://www.twowheelblogs.com/avid-bb7-disc-brake-set-and-tuning

they work for BB5 or BB7, probably need to read through them a couple of times to get it straight in your mind. I actually printed off a copy to stick up in my garage work area.

 

[GrasB]

Er, you can't follow those instructions with BB5s as they only have one pad adjuster

 

[MacB]

Er, you can't follow those instructions with BB5s as they only have one pad adjuster

You can, you just alter what you do to accomodate, it does mention this in the comments

 

[steve52]

I've replaced my hydraulics for mechanical disc brakes !!!!!! the only thing i thought is you did what ! why? but hey i love hydraulics,

 

[GrumpyGregry]

BB5's = spawn of satan

Never, ever go loaded touring on a BB5 equiped bike ime. Trying to adjust those bl**dy b*gg*r*ng to the power of 5 things by the side of the road is, well, utter pants.

 

[jorgemartin]

I used Avid BB5 brakes on a fully loaded bike on a 6000 km tour and they were just fine. The reason why I've scrapped the hydraulic brakes is because I find the bleeding and maintenance process inscrutable. Mechanical brakes should be easier to service while out and about in the back of beyond. On the other hand, I don't seem to be able to make the rear brake to work, but hopefully the links and tips provided should help. It's all a learning process.

 

[GrasB]

Are you using decent quality non-compressable outers? If you've got a longish cable run you need to use good quality non-compressible housing else the brake response is pants.

 

[jorgemartin]

I've got Shimano XT outers...

 

[GrasB]

I don't think that any of the Shimano brake outers a non-compressable. I was recommended Goodridge outer & found that using that gives a much better response, especially for the back brake.

 

[jorgemartin]

I've followed GrasB's instructions to the letter and it works a treat! Thanks so much GrasB and everyone else for your replies.