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-   -   Disc brake rubbing after taking off front wheel (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/349863-disc-brake-rubbing-after-taking-off-front-wheel.html)

ocka 10-03-07 03:12 PM

Disc brake rubbing after taking off front wheel
 
I've never had disc brakes before so excuse me if this is a silly question.

I've just bought a 2007 stumpjumer that has avid juicy 7 brakes. I took the front wheel off to see if I could get the bike in my car. After putting the wheel back on, the brakes now rub, which they didn't before. Before closing the quick release, the wheel spins fine with no rubbing. After closing however, the brakes rub. Is there a particular technique for putting the front wheel back on so the disc brakes don't rub? Any tips?

Thanks,
Ocka

cavernmech 10-03-07 04:48 PM

Whenever you remove a wheel with hydraulic brakes you should stick a folded up business card or the like in the caliper. This keeps the pads from advancing too far if the lever gets pulled while the rotor in not in the caliper. It sounds like this is what happened to you. You need to remove the pads....stick a box wrench in the caliper and carefully rock the pistons back in the caliper. Re-install the pads and wheel and squeeze the lever a couple times....should be good to go.

kenhill3 10-03-07 05:01 PM


Originally Posted by cavernmech (Post 5385363)
Whenever you remove a wheel with hydraulic brakes you should stick a folded up business card or the like in the caliper. This keeps the pads from advancing too far if the lever gets pulled while the rotor in not in the caliper. It sounds like this is what happened to you. You need to remove the pads....stick a box wrench in the caliper and carefully rock the pistons back in the caliper. Re-install the pads and wheel and squeeze the lever a couple times....should be good to go.

I use a tapered chunk of platic that came with Hayes brakes. No need to take the pads out, just stick it in and wiggle (that's what SHE said!).

Retro Grouch 10-03-07 05:45 PM


Originally Posted by ocka (Post 5384724)
Before closing the quick release, the wheel spins fine with no rubbing. After closing however, the brakes rub. Is there a particular technique for putting the front wheel back on so the disc brakes don't rub? Any tips?

Sounds to me like you're replacing the wheel with your bike upside down. That often results in similar problems. Try putting your bike upright on it's own wheels. Loosen the QR and retighten it WHILE PUSHING DOWN ON THE HANDLEBAR. That will bottom the axle squarely in the dropouts so your wheel, and brake disc, will be square with the bike.

ocka 10-04-07 12:23 PM


Originally Posted by cavernmech (Post 5385363)
Whenever you remove a wheel with hydraulic brakes you should stick a folded up business card or the like in the caliper. This keeps the pads from advancing too far if the lever gets pulled while the rotor in not in the caliper. It sounds like this is what happened to you. You need to remove the pads....stick a box wrench in the caliper and carefully rock the pistons back in the caliper. Re-install the pads and wheel and squeeze the lever a couple times....should be good to go.

Thanks for all the replies. Particularly liked the one about putting the wheel on with the bike upright on its' wheels, that made it a fair bit easier.

I tried the advice above and still had the problem. Then I found the Avid technical manual which basically says do the same thing a number of times for 'sticky' or slow return pads. So I did this for the right pad as this was the problem one. Worked great on the right...., but now the left one was rubbing. So did the same thing again to the left one. I had then excellent clearance and no rubbing on either pad even with the quick release done up. Until I applied the brakes a few times. Then I was back to where to where I started with the right pad rubbing. I gave up at that point....... went a grabbed a beer......

vtjim 10-04-07 12:36 PM

I have to tweak my caliper every time I pull the wheel off. It's annoying but disc brakes are worth it.

I just loosen the two bolts attaching the caliper to the fork, and fiddle with it until it's not sticking, then re-tighten. Takes a minute or two of trial and error and is much easier if you can elevate the bike to spin the wheel.

bwbass 10-04-07 04:17 PM

I had this problem with my Shimano mechanical discs. I thought perhaps I was bumping the disc out of true as I fiddled to get the wheel on.

I solved this problem by getting a bike rack. :)

ocka 10-05-07 03:40 AM


Originally Posted by bwbass (Post 5392991)
I had this problem with my Shimano mechanical discs. I thought perhaps I was bumping the disc out of true as I fiddled to get the wheel on.

I solved this problem by getting a bike rack. :)

Thanks again for the posts. Nice to know it's not just me with this problem and therefore not necessarily something I'm doing.

And funny you mention a bike rack, that's what i'm trying to work out whether i need to spend the money on, or whether i can just keep taking the front wheel off to get it in the car. Time will tell...... :)

Cheers,
Ocka


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