How to adjust a hydraulic disc brake caliper - Shimano BR-396

In this quick video we are taking a look at how to adjust the brake caliper of a hydraulic disc brake system. Sometimes it goes off center for various reasons, but putting it back to where it belongs is pretty simple. Unfortunately this does not work for mechanical disc brakes - please check my other video for that.

I am running Shimano BR-396 front disc brakes, with Shimano RT-64 centerlock disc brakes that are 180mm in diameter. Front hub is SLX M675 centerlock and fork is Rockshox XC32 100mm travel.

I reccommend having your bike brakes checked regularly (either by yourself or someone else) to make sure you are not using most of your energy just to overcome the friction of the brakes.

[Mark_Williams.]

Thanks! Still valid 7 years on :)
For me letting go of the brakes as I tightened the screws worked best. Loosen screws, hit the brake a couple times, then tighten. I noticed that when I hit the brakes the whole caliper assembly moved inboard, thus holding them on while tightening kept them in the offset position.

[kostondub]

Wish I watched this 50 miles ago! Thanks for the great instructional. Worked on my road bike 105 disc brakes

[jcarroll]

Was about to say it didn't work but I was still holding the break 🤣

Great tutorial thank you

[markandmelbamford]

Fantastically helpful - fixed my brakes in minutes

[mortenhattesen]

Tip for next video: place the camera, so your hand does not block the view of the action ;)

[Doommaster]

Thanks! Simple and easy, fixed my brake!

[theBreakdancingNinja]

It worked! Fast and precise thanks for sharing.

[YorkshireNoob]

Perfect man. Just sorted mine! Easy. Thanks dude.

[ACass-qqkq]

Cheers, just used this to stop front brake rubbing.

[mahonjal]

Excellent, very simple, very succinct video.

[brucesimian]

Tightening them a 1/4 turn alternating made all the difference.

[SeekTheTruthNow-Freedom]

Is it okay to activate the brakes when the bike is inverted? It does not encourage any air to move from the resevoir at the lever to the caliper end?

[retrojimmyx]

Perfect, thanks. No mention of a torque wrench though - how important is the torque. I was told 8nm for my brakes. I sort of loosened them a bit and tightened them again to get a feel for how tight...

[restore]

I have these same brakes but when i squeeze the rear brake level it's really loose. I don't see where to take the slack out at as I only have maybe like 10% braking power when the brake lever is pressed all the way in.

[DanutDumitru]

works exactly as described... Many thanks

[ChristopherPisz]

I didn't catch the size and name of the tool you used

[woldsweather]

My rear brake has very little braking when the brake handle is pulled right up to the handle bar how do I adjust for this?

[matrixwarrior]

Why you have your hand in the way can see nothing fs

[ianruddock]

I'd suggest you don't have your hand in front of where you're inserting the tool next time. I wanted to see where you inserted it and by how much you backed it off.

[tmurphy]

Anyone kmow how to make the brake pistons tighter?