How to Adjust Brakes on a Trek Mountain Bike

Trek mountain bikes are designed for a variety of rough terrain and trail conditions. Available in several different models including 3 Series, Skye, 4 Series and 9 Series, Trek bikes are available in a price range for most every rider and skill level. Trek bikes use either a disc or caliper braking system. Through normal use it may be necessary to periodically adjust the brakes of both types of braking systems. With a few common tools it is possible for most people to make these adjustments.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Adjust Disc Brakes

Things You’ll Need:

Trek mountain bike
Adjustable wrench
Allen wrenches
Torx wrenches
Pliers
Screwdriver

Step 1

Turn the wheel of the Trek bike to determine if the calipers are making contact with the spokes. If so, adjust the calipers inward by loosening the adjustment screw, move calipers inward and retighten.

Step 2

Squeeze the brake lever on the handlebar to check for contact between the pad and disc. Make adjustments to the caliper by loosening the caliper retaining screws.

Step 3

Squeeze the brake lever on the handlebar of the Trek bike until the pads contact the disc. Tighten the caliper adjustment screws securely and release the lever.

Step 4

Examine the brake line of the Trek disc brake system. The line will use either a cable or hydraulic fluid. Adjust brake cables by lengthening or shortening the cable following the manufacturer's specifications.

Step 5

Inspect hydraulic lines for cracks or leaks. Refer to a certified bike mechanic for replacement of hydraulic brake lines.

Adjust Caliper Brakes

Step 1

Examine the caliper brake assembly of the Trek mountain bike. Look for signs of excessive wear to brake pads and damage to the caliper system or cable.

Step 2

Adjust the brake pads. The pads should engage the rim of the wheel and not the tire when engaged. Loosen the adjustment nut with an adjustable wrench and reposition the pads.

Step 3

Align the pads so that the front of the pad makes contact with the rim before the center or rear of the pad. This will aid in stopping and prevent common brake squeal issues. Tighten adjustment nuts securely.

Step 4

Inspect the calipers to ensure they are centered on the wheel. Loosen the mounting bolt which attaches the calipers to the bike frame. Position the calipers evenly and tighten the bolt.

Step 5

Squeeze the brake lever on the Trek bike. Make sure the pads are contacting the rim of the wheel tightly. Adjust the brake cable by loosening the adjustment screw on the side of the caliper. Pull the brake cable through the opening and retighten.

Tips & Warnings

Refer to Trek manufacturer's instructions for further information on brake adjustments.

Tightly secure all nuts, bolts, screws and adjustment knobs.

Failure to properly secure or align brake cables and pads may result in injury to the rider.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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