Using a zip tie to set perfect disc brake pad clearance

I was battling a rubbing disc brake on a gravel bike yesterday, and it was driving me nuts. The pads were just barely touching the rotor, making that annoying sound. Instead of pulling out the wheel and eyeballing it, I tried something new. I slid a plastic zip tie between the pad and rotor on the loose side, then squeezed the brake lever to clamp it. Holding the lever, I tightened the caliper bolts. When I pulled the zip tie out, the pad was perfectly spaced with just the right gap. No more rub, and the brake felt crisp. It's such a dumb simple fix, but it worked like a charm on the first try. Now I keep a zip tie on my bench just for this. lmao, why didn't I think of this years ago?

2 comments

2 Comments

linda36821h ago

Been there, that noise is the worst.

-1

tyler31121h ago

I actually kind of like that sound.