If you have a disc bike with brakes that are rubbing, there are a few things you can do to adjust them. First, check the alignment of the brake pads. If they are not aligned properly, they will rub against the rotor when the brake is applied.
You can use a pad adjustment tool to align the pads. Second, check the tension of the spring that holds the brake pads in place. The spring may need to be adjusted so that it is tighter or looser, depending on how much pressure is required to stop the bike.
Third, clean the rotor with a degreaser and make sure there is no debris or dirt build-up on it. This can also cause rubbing.
- Disc brakes work by using hydraulic pressure to squeeze two pads against a spinning disc on the wheel
- If your disc bike brakes are rubbing, it’s likely that the pads are incorrectly aligned with the disc
- To adjust the alignment, first loosen the bolts that secure the caliper in place
- Next, gently push or pull on the caliper until the pads are properly aligned with the disc
- Once everything is lined up, tighten down the bolts and test your brakes to make sure they’re working properly

Credit: www.montaguebikes.com
Why are My Disc Brakes Rubbing on My Bike?
If your disc brakes are rubbing on your bike, there are a few potential causes. One possibility is that the pads are not properly aligned in the caliper. Another possibility is that the rotor is bent or warped.
Finally, if the caliper itself is bent, this can also cause rubbing.
If your pads are misaligned, you can try readjusting them yourself. First, make sure that the pads are fully seated in the caliper.
Then, use a pad alignment tool to adjust the position of the pads until they line up evenly with the rotor. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace your pads or have a professional mechanic take a look at your bike.
If your rotor is bent or warped, it will need to be replaced.
This is usually caused by hitting something while riding, so be careful out on the trails! A new rotor can be installed relatively easily – just remove the old one and screw on the new one in its place. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, take it to a bike shop and let them handle it.
Finally, if your caliper is bent, this is definitely a job for a professional mechanic. Bent calipers can cause all sorts of problems and shouldn’t be attempted by amateur riders. If you think your caliper might be bent, bring your bike into a shop and have them take a look at it as soon as possible.
How Do You Fix the Rubbing Disc Brakes on a Mountain Bike?
Disc brakes are the norm on mountain bikes these days, and for good reason. They’re more powerful than rim brakes, not as susceptible to wet-weather fade, and easier to service. But they’re not perfect.
One common problem is that the pads rub on the rotor even when you’re not braking. Here are a few things you can try to fix it.
First, check that your brake pads are properly aligned in the caliper.
If they’re misaligned, they can rub even when you’re not braking. To align them, loosen the two bolts that hold the caliper in place and gently push or pull it until the pads line up evenly with the rotor. Then tighten the bolts back down.
If your pads are correctly aligned but still rubbing, try adjusting the tension on your brake levers. On most lever models, there’s a small knob or screw that controls how far out the pad sits from the rotor when at rest. Turn it clockwise to move the pad closer to the rotor; turn it counterclockwise to move it away from the rotor.
A quarter-turn is usually enough to make a difference; go too far and you risk damaging your pads or rotors.
If adjusting tension doesn’t stop the rubbing, then something else is likely causing it—like a warped rotor or glazed (worn) brake pads.
How Do I Stop My Bike Brakes Rubbing on One Side?
If your bike brakes are rubbing on one side, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, check that the brake pads are aligned correctly and not warped. If they are, you can try to adjust them so that they don’t rub.
You can also try to sand down the brake pad surface so that it’s smoother and doesn’t catch on the wheel as much. Finally, if none of those solutions work, you may need to replace your brake pads.
Should Disc Brakes Rub on a New Bike?
Disc brakes are the new standard for road and mountain bikes, offering more stopping power and easier maintenance than traditional rim brakes. But one downside of disc brakes is that they can rub on the rotor, causing a squeaking noise and reduced braking performance.
So, should disc brakes rub on a new bike?
The answer is no! If your disc brakes are rubbing, it’s usually because the rotor isn’t centered between the pads. This can be easily fixed by recentering the rotor with an adjustable wrench or Allen key.
If you’re having persistent problems with your disc brakes rubbing, it’s best to take your bike to a qualified mechanic or bicycle shop for further diagnosis and adjustment.
How To Stop Your Disc Brakes Rubbing
New Bike Disc Brakes Rubbing
If you’re new to biking, or have just gotten a new bike with disc brakes, you may find that your brakes are rubbing. This is usually due to the fact that the pads aren’t properly aligned with the rotor. Here’s how you can fix this problem:
1. First, check to see if your brake pads are properly aligned with the rotor. If they’re not, use an Allen key to adjust them until they are.
2. Next, check your wheel for any dirt or debris that could be causing the rubbing.
If you find anything, clean it off and try again.
3. If your brakes are still rubbing after making these adjustments, there may be something wrong with your brake caliper. Take it to a bike shop or mechanic to have it checked out.
Conclusion
If your disc brakes are rubbing, it’s usually an indication that they’re not properly aligned. To fix this, first check that the rotor is mounted squarely on the hub. If it’s not, loosen the bolts and adjust it until it is.
Next, check that the brake caliper is centered over the rotor. If it’s not, loosen the mounting bolts and adjust it until it is. Finally, check that the pads are seated correctly in the caliper and aren’t sticking out too far.
If they are, use a pad spacer to correct their position.