How to Align a Hydraulic Disc Brake on a Bike

A rubbing disc brake is a common problem, and even the slightest rub which might not really be slowing you down, can still be annoying. Regardless of the brand or model, this video will help you get rid of that pesky rub.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

Video contents:
00:00 Preliminary Information
00:57 Diagnosis
02:54 Alignment Procedure
04:09 Additional Knowledge

➤ Tools & materials used:
• Light to backlight the caliper

➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?

➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

➤ More Disc Brake Repair Help:

[davidkopman]

I am possibly the least mechanically inclined person in the Western Hemisphere and yet this video helped me fix my annoying disc rub problem in under 3 minutes. Thanks so much!

[MA-dgqr]

One of the best teaching videos I have ever seen; concise, to the point, perfect camera work and expert knowledge. Thank you Truman!

[DJDeviANT]

The production value on these videos is bloody stellar

[pjclinch]

Before watching, disc rub, shortly after watching and doing as it said, no disc rub. Job done, thank you!

[johndelvacchio]

I work part time at a bike shop due to my passion for all things bike. I work mainly in sales, I own 2 bikes and a 3rd on order. These videos help me to maintain my own bikes and speak more intelligently to customers who are thinking about buying a bike. The production quality is fantastic, the graphics sometimes used is super helpful. Thank you Park Tools.

[garretts]

You can easily get rid of a hard to adjust rub by sliding a business card between the smallest pad gap and the rotor. Lightly pull the brake lever while tightening the bolts.

[pizzaking]

Loosening the bolt, holding the brake, and then tightening the bolt worked for me. Thank you Park Tool!

[foggzie]

Had some rubbing on a brand new bike and this saved me a trip to the shop! Thank you so much :D

[geodez]

I am from Russia. I'm in the kitchen cooking dinner and watching your video. And believe me with the Park Tool not only turns out all right with the bikes, but also the mood and cooking too! )))

[Slazmoservicing]

I've found on so many occasions that having the rider sit on the bike and pull the brake lever while the calliper mount bolts are slacked off really helps fitting.

The frame seems to distort and that moves when there isn't any weight on it, alignment that's achieved is thrown out when the rider gets back on.

Hard to achieve yourself but when you do it a couple times you manage sitting on the seat to give weight and weight align the calliper.

[smokeycanuck]

As usual, Park Tool is my go-to resource on YouTube for bike service. Just picked up a bike with hydraulic brakes which I’ve never owned in the past, right from the shop I heard a little rub on the rear brake. This alignment of loosening, holding the brake and then tightening is quite possibly the easiest thing I’ve ever done to fix my bike. Thank you.

[TheQuikMix]

never had disc brakes on a bike before ever. After a tire change and realignment, had massive brake rub. You made my life so much easier in 5-min

[aymene]

I spent hours trying to get rid of the rub, then watched your video, solved in 5 minutes.
Thank you

[Contradel]

Thank you for the awesome video. I once again had to turn to the manual on my Shimano ST-RX400 to find out what I did wrong.

For installation they had a "tech tip" which I think most bicycle mechanics take for given, I don't believe it was mentioned in the video.

I had the issue that after depressing the brake lever I tightened one screw, then the other. This caused misalignment. The tip from the manual was: "Bring caliper fixing screws A up to torque in steps, alternating from one screw to the other. This will help keep the caliper centered over the disc brake rotor." I did this and everything was aligned, no need for fine-tuning.

Thanks again for these videos.

Edit: Just realized Imi R made this exact tip almost a year ago, just goes to show YouTube comments can be gold.

[olgatha]

Excellent video instructions!! Adressing other problems too by refering to other videos... I was lucky enough!! Didn't even have to remove the wheel!! Loosened the holding screws, pressed the brake to center caliper, tightened screws and done!! Thanks a lot guys.

[rayvee]

My rubbing brake pad was bothering me for months and months until somebody on a forum pointed me here. Fixed in five minutes! I'm very happy :D

[strikerofear]

2:54 is what solved it for me, such a clear tutorial, thank you.

[RationalCreed]

I’ve found that after loosening the callipers and pressing the break, if u tighten each bolt quarter turn at a time alternating as you tighten (top bolt, bottom bolt, top bolt etc), it works well

[swdski]

Thank you. Less than five minutes and the rub was gone. My first disc brake adjustment and I was nervous; this video is great.

[jeffreychavey]

Thank you! The wheel alignment mentioned at the 1:45 mark is what corrected the issue I was having. Best explanation I’ve come across