Tips for aligning disc calipers

[Eugene]

I fitted new calipers to my MTB and I am battling to align the front one with the rotor.

 

No matter what I do, the rotor seems to rub against the brake. Either the left pad or the right.

 

Does anybody have any tips on how to align these stupid things?

[V12man]

Birzman make a little tool that helps a lot.

 

Clam shell - I would post the link, but that's not working for some reason...

Edited September 18, 2014 by V12man

[Bobbo_SA]

My tip is to use some standard weight paper strips on each side, clamp them down with the lever and then tighten the bolts to the correct torque, :-)

[Mojoman]

Are the pistons fully retracted? Or is one sticky?

[MrJacques]

Are both pistons equally exposed?

 

Edit: Mojoman beat me to it

Edited September 18, 2014 by Jacquers

[dirtrider]

Instead of the paper I use a feeler gauge on both sides . 

[NotSoBigBen]

Instead of the paper I use a feeler gauge on both sides .

Business cards also work ....

[MrJacques]

Maybe it's not the caliper? Is the rotor straight?

Edited September 18, 2014 by Jacquers

[mtbride]

I loosen both bolts on the caliper, then hold in the brake lever, and tighten the top/front bolt, then release and again hold the brake lever and then tighten the bottom/back one ... worked for me.

 

I've also gently bent my rotors with my thumb if they touch in certain areas when spinning the wheel. 

Edited September 18, 2014 by Kraggie

[Eugene]

Are the pistons fully retracted? Or is one sticky?

You could be on to something there. I must check, I never thought of that.

[Eugene]

Maybe it's not the caliper? Is the rotor straight?

I did check and can't see anyhting with the naked eye. The "scratching sound" is even

[Eugene]

I loosen both bolts on the caliper, then hold in the brake lever, and tighten the top/front bolt, then release and again hold the brake lever and then tighten the bottom/back one ... worked for me.

 

I've also gently bent my rotors with my thumb if they touch in certain areas when spinning the wheel. 

I tried something similar, but tightened both bolts at the same time. Perhaps I should do one at a time.

[Cassie]

loosen everything slightly...pull brakes, while holding them...fasten caliper bolts...let go of brake leaver and torque to correct setting?

[Vangar]

loosen everything slightly...pull brakes, while holding them...fasten caliper bolts...let go of brake leaver and torque to correct setting?

 

 

Yup, this works 99% of the time. for the other 1%, loosen, align by hand and eye, tighten one bolt at a time.

[Vetseun]

Loosen the calliper. Compress the brake lever. Tighten Calliper with brace lever compressed. Release brake. Works for me, but if your rotor is not running true, you may have difficulty. If you don't have a park tool, use a shifting spanner to straighten the rotor.

 

Patience is the key.

 

Good Luck

[Eugene]

Thanks for all the tips.

 

I managed to get it right. I put on a pair of those magnifying specs that make everything look10 times bigger than it really is and shined a torch from under the caliper so I could see exactly where it was rubbing. I ever so gently moved the caliper around until there was no touching.