How to Fix Dragging Brake Pads (if Centering Doesn't Work)

Usually centering you bicycle hydraulic disc brakes takes care of pads dragging on the rotors. If it doesn't, there are typically two other issues to look at, which I show in this video.

How to center hydraulic disc brakes:

How to center brakes with the Birzman tool:

How to bleed Shimano mountain bike brakes:

How to bleed Shimano road brakes:

How to bleed SRAM road brakes:

How to bleed SRAM brakes with Bleeding Edge tool

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[grahamcollins]

For 3 years, I have endured rubbing front disc brake. Lots of useless advise led me to change: pads; rotor; mineral oil and bleed; calliper. My local bike shop couldn't resolve (in fact made it worse!). I even bought new wheels (not because of rubbing) which had the exact same problem. 3 minutes of watching your video, and I thought 'heck, let's try this'. 15 minutes later, problem was resolved! Thank you so much for such a clear, simple solution!

[larsh]

Brilliant! Going nuts trying to fix my dragging brake pads. Tried to exercise the pistons again and again to no avail. Removing excess fluid solved the problem immediately. In hindsight, the brake lever was very tight and a sign that the fluid had expanded. I don't know why other videos aren't showing this, but thanks a bunch.

[schloddy]

This is the literally one and only video dealing with this issue. Very helpful and saved my weekend!

[TheFplopes]

Great video. So many videos out there that basically teach you to center your brakes. this one helped me diagnose and fix a rubbing pad that was driving me crazy. thank you!!!!

[SchwantzKP]

Great, video! It is amazing how many cycling channels do not cover this. They generally just talk about a bent disk or centering the caliper. again great video, very informative and simple to follow.

[Defiancex]

Amazing! This video stopped me from having to go to my local bike shop pleading for help. Thank you so much for making this video short and sweet!

[wjs]

Thank you so much Clint. After trying out about 20 other videos all of which suggested the same solutions of straightening the caliper, truing the rotors etc etc, yours was the first and only one that suggested relieving a few drops of mineral oil from the system. This solution immediately solved the problem on my Canyon CFR running Campag Super Record EPS and it was quick and easy for me to do. Quality content from knowledgeable people like yourself is hard to find out there in a sea of repetition and ineffective solutions purveyed by so many others. I’ve sent a super thanks your way. Thank you 🙏

[gordonsmall]

Top bloke. Just solved my irritating disk rub issue after viewing this vid.

[alyoshakaramazov]

One more suggestion: some shops are not careful when bleeding brake fluid and they finish the job with too much fluid in the lines. If you can’t compress the pistons back, even if they are clean, this is the likely cause. You can fix this by opening the top bleed screw, pushing the pistons all the way in, wiping up the excess fluid, and closing the screw. Then reinstall the pads and continue centering and pump the brakes. Double check for leaks and verify there is good brake operation before riding!

[keteokete]

As usual..concise and accurate information delivered thoroughly. Many thanks Clint. Greetings from The West of Ireland.

[Iquezeuse]

Was a little intimidated working on hydraulic brakes for the first time, your video was to the point and very informative. Thanks! All working well now.

[markjones]

Huge thanks. I was trying to resolve brake squeal but after cleaning and scuffing the pads 3 times, I found the pistons were not moving equally. One was almost stuck. I guess the imbalance of piston pressure to the pads and rotor was causing the squealing. Followed your instructions and the piston eventually worked together in equal movement. Took it out for a test and voila. They no longer squeal.

[matthewcarle]

Thanks! Went from cool and dry, to warm and humid. Pads were DRAGGING this morning. Quick watch of this video and 20 mins later I was ready to roll! Thanks again! (note, wish i could have tipped more, but no option beyond $2)

[davidrleslie]

Thank you very much for the tip about too much pressure in the system. Had very little clearance on some new pads and was finding it very hard to get the calipers centred well enough to stop all rub. Just did as you said and bled off a little fluid and all is right with the world again.

[TyBuzz]

4 years later and this video finally ended hours of frustration trying to get my caliper centered. Apparently my grx brakes were over pressurized despite following the shimano manual to the T. Thank you!

[phildelamotte]

Relatively new Tarmac… tried everything… and the solution was your last step. Bleeding them a bit gave me enough gap to finally end the rubbing. Thanks!

[justinlk]

Finally fixed after trying the last step of soaking up a small amount expanded of fluid. No more rubbing after centering, lubing the pistons, repeat, and repeat. Thanks!!

[jensmunk]

The video addressed the issue I was having with a new bike build, which was excessive hydraulic fluid in my front brake line. Thank you Clint for your clear explanation!

[johngazzard]

Many thanks Clint for your excellent tutorial. I just loosened the bleed port screw and out flowed the brake fluid.
I now enjoy no brake pad drag.

[obbcmtb]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! I wish I would have watched this an hour earlier than I did.