Adjusting mechanical disc brakes
05-09-22, 07:21 AM
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Adjusting mechanical disc brakes
Some questions about mechanical (aka, fully cabled/wired, not hydraulic) disc brakes...specifically, TRP Spyre-C from 2018, in case that makes a difference.
- over time, the levers start to get a little mushier and have to pull closer to the bars to fully engage braking. Is this due to pad wear, cable stretch, or both?
- to compensate for ^^^that (so that the lever doesn't have to pull so close to the bar to fully engage braking) should I be tweaking the barrel adjuster, or the pad depth adjustment screws? (Or does it depend on whether the issue is caused by pad wear or cable stretch?)
Thanks.
- over time, the levers start to get a little mushier and have to pull closer to the bars to fully engage braking. Is this due to pad wear, cable stretch, or both?
- to compensate for ^^^that (so that the lever doesn't have to pull so close to the bar to fully engage braking) should I be tweaking the barrel adjuster, or the pad depth adjustment screws? (Or does it depend on whether the issue is caused by pad wear or cable stretch?)
Thanks.
05-09-22, 07:37 AM
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I have TRP Spyres on my Surly Midnight Special so I'm familiar with them. It's almost certainly pad wear unless you didn't tighten the cable anchor bolt adequately. Cable "stretch" happens in the first few firm brake applications and then stabilizes, it shouldn't be a continuous problem.
Adjust the major pad clearance using the pad adjustment screws, you don't want the yoke to go over center. Use the barrel adjuster only for refining the lever position.
Adjust the major pad clearance using the pad adjustment screws, you don't want the yoke to go over center. Use the barrel adjuster only for refining the lever position.
