Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever Adjustments

This article will go through the quick process of how to adjust your out-of-the-box Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers. This is especially helpful when you are trying to install new rotors without having to dismount the calipers in order for them not to drag on the rims.

Tools for Adjusting Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Levers 

Before adjusting Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers, it is highly recommended that you make sure to have the following tools:

3/8” Hex Driver (0.5-1.2mm)

This is used for flathead screwdrivers, both of which are important for this process in order to avoid stripping the rotor threads in the caliper or wheel. Usually, a combination of a set of 3/8” hex drivers and a 1/4” socket wrench will suffice in order to adjust Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers, but you can also opt to use a small Allen wrench by using the back end of any hex driver.

T-20 Torx Bit

This is used for removing caliper bolts that hold the rotors from the wheel hub. With all Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers and rotors (except the XTR M965), there is a T-20 Torx bolt in the back of the caliper that holds the rotor against the wheel hub. Usually, 1/2” to 5/8” Torx bits can suffice, but if you feel like you are stripping the bolt, you can also look into purchasing a T-25 or T-27 bit.

1/2” Hex Driver

This is used only for removing caliper bolts that hold the rotors from the wheel hub. With all Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers and rotors (except the XTR M965), there is a 1/2” hex bolt in the back of the caliper that holds the rotor against the wheel hub.

Adjust Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Levers in Step by Step

For this article, we’ll teach you how to adjust Shimano hydraulic brake levers. We’re using the Shimano 990 series, but this should apply to other clamp-on or direct mount brakes as well. The adjustment will be done while the brake lever is installed on the bars. 

Adjusting Shimano disc brake levers is as simple as following these steps:

Step 1: The Brake Lever’s Distance from the Grips

The position of the brake lever also depends on the handlebar’s center. On some handlebars, you need to loosen the bolts and slide the brake lever on the bar until it touches the pads on both sides. You may have to make adjustments on both sides until it’s exactly right.

Step 2: Aligning the Brake Lever and Brakes on Different Wheelsets Correctly

If there is a pattern of braking, you would want to make sure that your pattern matches your pattern. For example: If you brake with your left hand and your right hand, then the brakes would need to be properly aligned. Rotating the brake calipers may cause the adjuster bolts to loosen as well as cause some minor damage as you’re removing and re-installing them again.

If you notice that after 2 weeks of usage, the brakes feel noticeably different from before, then unfortunately they need to be replaced. This is especially true for Shimano brake calipers with aluminum rims and rotors (e.g., XTR, XT or XT M8000 series). Where I live (in Vietnam), this is a common problem for most new bikes sold at the local shops.

Step 3: Aligning the Brake Lever, Brakes and Rims

With the brake levers locked, you would want to make sure that the rotation of your front brake is aligned with your rear wheel’s rotational direction. This is particularly true on Monolock brakes where there are no brake calipers on the front wheel. You can always use a caliper or grab rail that is parallel to the wheel’s axis to test this for yourself. If you are unsure of how your existing brakes are designed, check out this video of what it looks like on a road bike. This is the most important step. If your brake calipers are aligned correctly, this means that your brakes will work properly and you can enjoy perfect stopping power at all times.

Keep in mind that you will need to check this on different wheelsets, as it might take time for them to be properly aligned. It’s also important to note that the front brake should be of a longer reach for you, allowing greater control. That’s why it’s good to have a more traditional brake lever configuration on the bike if possible instead of a thumb shifter mounted on the bars.

Step 4: Lock The Brake Levers

The brake levers must be hand-tightened to ensure appropriate alignment. Then pull your front brake lever to lock it in place. This is also important for the pads to be adjusted to fit the rims exactly.

Step 5: Pushing Your Brakes Against the Pad Adjusters’ Stop Points

Your rims or any other element of your bike should not come into contact with your brakes at any moment. It’s recommended that you make this stop point an inch or two away from the rim at most.

Step 6: Readjusting the Pad Adjusters to Fit the Rims Perfectly

Now, you can readjust your brakes by turning their adjusters. The adjuster knob turns the brake pad in either direction, which means that it is important to do this with both wheels on. Make sure that you periodically check these adjustments as well; depending on how long your brakes have been used, you may need to readjust them as well. The pad adjusters should fit into place as soon as they stop scraping against the rim entirely, and then turn no more than 1/8 of a turn afterward. If they do not, check your pad’s tension and make a minor adjustment.

Step 7: Test Your Brakes By Shifting Your Weight Against Them Properly

You should never test your brakes by going fast before checking the adjustment. When you hit a downhill slope or when you need to stop in a hurry, you will need to test your brakes for proper stopping power. Never assume that the brakes will work simply because they are new. Test them at least five times to see if they are up to par before riding fast down a hill or into heavy traffic.

Step 8: Knowing When to Replace Your Rotors

When it comes time to replace your rotors, make sure that you use an aluminum rotor on the rear wheel. For the front wheel, you should only use steel rotors as it gives better stopping power. If you do not want to install two different-sized rotors on your bike, there are some companies that sell one-size-all brake rotors  You can always check your brakes after an hour of riding to see if they are working properly. 

What is a Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake?

The hydraulic disc brake is a new generation of disc brake, it is more safe and efficient than a traditional mechanical disc brake. Up until recently, hydraulic disc brakes were only used in the highest end of the market. Now, Shimano has made it affordable with their new 990 series hydraulic disc brakes. They are relatively inexpensive when compared to mechanical disc brakes. They are also very easy to maintain. We all know that a brake system that works well wears out quickly, and it is essential to replace a brake system that has been around for a while. Ultimately, if you are looking for brakes that are easy to set up, have a clean look, and have amazing stopping power, then Shimano 990 series is your choice. They are well built and have no problem lasting many years.

Does it Necessary to Adjust Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Levers?

Yes, you have to adjust your brake levers to properly work. Because of the different hand geometry of all riders, brake levers perform differently from rider to rider. The level of force required to pull a lever is known as “pull force.” Pull force is then adjustable by changing the position of the lever on the handlebar.

In addition, for your Shimano hydraulic disc brake system, you can customize your “reach” and where you want the brakes to stop on each lever. This is done by switching from one pad set to another, or from one caliper body and shaft assembly to another. 

In this article is some benefit from adjusting Shimano hydraulic disc brake levers:

1/ Easier to Get Set up Properly

Because each rider has different hands, two riders could have two different levers settings on the same bike. If they were both using the same lever position, it would be much harder to get them both set up correctly.

2/ More Comfortable While Riding

The rider can move their brake levers closer or further apart while keeping their hands in the same position on the hoods. This allows the distance between the brake lever and handgrips to remain similar even if you move your handlebar grips around or change them entirely. The more comfortable you can keep your hands and brake lever, the better you will be.

3/ Allows for Perfect Braking

 If there is ever a time when you have to stop fast, knowing exactly where the stops are on all your brakes will be convenient. This happens from time to time, so being able to quickly adjust the brakes with only one hand is great.

4/ Easier to Adjust as Brakes Wear Down

If you have been biking for a while and have outgrown your set-up, the distance between brake levers and handgrips can change as they age. This makes it easy for a new rider to quickly adjust the brakes the next time they pick up a bike.

5/ Less Effort Required to Stop Going Downhill

If you’ve been stopped going downhill before, then you know that it is much easier to slow down as your front wheel starts to slow down. The difference between the braking power of the front and rear wheels can be felt if your rods brake better on one side than another. Using levers that are too close together could cause this effect, so having them spaced farther apart can help a lot.

6/ Lower Chance of Hand Cramps from Cycling too Hard at the end of a Ride, or from having Both Hands on the Handlebars at Once

You’ll be able to relax your hands more if the braking effort is reduced. This can minimize any potential habit of holding your hands on the hoods for an extended period of time. An easy break from this habit with one hand is to adjust your brakes with that hand! 

7/ More Suitable for Recreational Riders Who Want to Shift Gears Easier or Go Faster on Flat Terrain

The Shimano brakes are designed with shift levers that are more removed from both sides than most other manufacturers’. This allows you to shift gears more easily and faster than on most other systems. Because they are not too close together, you can shift even if you do not have both feet on the ground at the same time.

8/ Can Help to Save Your Brake Levers If They Get Wet

If you’re one of those people who like to ride without gloves, and like to wash your bike next time you get back, it can be a pain to change out your brake levers. Trying to make the lever work again often ends up in you need to replace the lever instead. This can waste a lot of money and time. By spacing them out, you will never have this problem again!

9/ Makes It Easier to Use Accessories such as Lights that Can Interfere with Shifting of Levers

The more space between the two levers, the more room you will have on each side for these accessories. This allows you to use them even if both levers are on one side of the bike.

10/ Safe during a Crash

While your hands might not be the first thing that the ambulance driver looks at after a crash, you will definitely want them to be ready if you’re thrown from a bike! Having a brake system that is easy to adjust and easy to repair will help maintain this safety feature for many years.

Conclusion

The Shimano brakes are designed with shift levers that are more removed from both sides than most other manufacturers’. This allows you to shift gears more easily and faster than on most other systems. Because they are not too close together, you can shift even if you do not have both feet on the ground at the same time.

FAQ

1/ How much is a Shimano hydraulic disc brake?

The price is between $80 for the brakes and around $300 for levers and discs.

2/ What sort of bike is best with Shimano hydraulic disc brake?

The best bike would be a road bike with thin tires, not thin enough to be considered slicks, but still thin. You will need brakes that are powerful enough to stop you quickly, so you need the disc brakes. With less than 1” thick tires, you can use 160mm rotors. For this bike type, the best braking performance would be reached by using TRP HYRD’s or Shimano XT HR-M785 or Deore XT M785 hydraulic disc brakes. For a mountain bike, the bike should have two-inch tires or be thicker. The best braking performance would be reached by using TRP HYRD’s or Shimano XT HR-M785 or Deore XT M785 hydraulic disc brakes.

3/ Can I operate Shimano hydraulic disc brake with only one hand?

Yes, you can operate Shimano brakes with one hand, but you can’t lock it with just one hand. It is easy to do if you have practiced before. Otherwise, it is recommended to ride with two hands when riding down a steep road or off-road. You need to use both hands to stop the bike before you hit something that could hurt your body badly. So, use both hands to operate Shimano hydraulic disc brake whenever you need to stop quickly or suddenly. You can use the brakes however you like when slowing down for a turn or stopping at a stop sign.

4/ How close together are Shimano brake levers and cables?

The braking system of Shimano has a lever close to the hoods and cables close to the frame. Both levers and cables can’t be too close because this will cause you difficulty when shifting gears. The closer they are, the more convenience you will get during your ride. It is recommended that they should be as close as possible, but not so close as to interfere with shifting of gears during rapid upshifts and downshifts.