Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance

Feb 18, 18 13:55

Post #1 of 35 Views: 10096

I noticed that my rear brake pads are rubbing against the tyre. Oddly enough I don’t hear the rubbing sound on the home trainer, only when I am outside and usually at mid to slow speed and when climbing.

I am running a Shimano Ultegra Direct Mount BR-R8010 rear brake that is actually mounted to the bottom of the bike frame.

I read up on the Shimano manual and it says to adjust the "self-locking nut". However, there is none on my bike.

I read somewhere on a forum that these brakes have incredibly small clearance and one person suggested to remove the spacer between the callipers and the brake pads. So I removed these on both brakes, and while it’s not rubbing as much, I still hear some rubbing noise when I am on the road.

My tyres are not perfectly true so that is part of it, but as you can see in the photo the brake pads the clearance is ridiculously small.

Here are photos of everything:

Any suggestions on what to do?? Should I leave the spacers?

FYI the cables are brand new Jagwire Pro Elite. I had the bike professionally assembled at a shop.

Last edited by: gazoome: Feb 18, 18 14:00

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 14:09

Post #2 of 35 Views: 10078

If it is in fact rubbing on the tyre then do not ride it.
The cable is routed wrong.
This is causing friction and your brakes are not releasing fully.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [lyrrad] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 14:27

Post #3 of 35 Views: 10059

lyrrad wrote:

If it is in fact rubbing on the tyre then do not ride it.
The cable is routed wrong.
This is causing friction and your brakes are not releasing fully.

I hope not. I just paid 367 dollars to get the bike assembled by one of the top bike shops in my city

Last edited by: gazoome: Feb 19, 18 2:09

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 14:29

Post #4 of 35 Views: 10056

gazoome wrote:

lyrrad wrote:

If it is in fact rubbing on the tyre then do not ride it.
The cable is routed wrong.
This is causing friction and your brakes are not releasing fully.

I hope not. I just paid 367 dollars to get the bike assembled by one of the top bike shops in my entire country.

Maybe take it back there and get them to set the brake up properly?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [WelshinPhilly] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 14:32

Post #5 of 35 Views: 10053

WelshinPhilly wrote:

gazoome wrote:

lyrrad wrote:

If it is in fact rubbing on the tyre then do not ride it.
The cable is routed wrong.
This is causing friction and your brakes are not releasing fully.

I hope not. I just paid 367 dollars to get the bike assembled by one of the top bike shops in my entire country.

Maybe take it back there and get them to set the brake up properly?

Let's see if someone can come up with a fix. I went back there like 3 times already after they did my bike. I think they're getting tired of me.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [WelshinPhilly] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 14:34

Post #6 of 35 Views: 10052

It is also missing a screw from the front derailleur guide.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 18, 18 15:59

Post #7 of 35 Views: 10017

first thing you shd do is to move the shim thats i next to the braking shoe to the OUTSDIDE

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [R2] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 0:47

Post #8 of 35 Views: 9911

R2 wrote:

first thing you shd do is to move the shim thats i next to the braking shoe to the OUTSDIDE

Can you explain this more? What's a shim?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 1:12

Post #9 of 35 Views: 9905

When u unscrew the pad holder put both washers outside the arm

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [R2] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 1:17

Post #10 of 35 Views: 9903

R2 wrote:

When u unscrew the pad holder put both washers outside the arm

I see. I will try that. But that make the brake clearance smaller, so how would it fix the problem of the wheel rubbing against the brake pads?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 1:31

Post #11 of 35 Views: 9899

No currently you have one inside next to pad holder and one outside, you need to have two outside

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [R2] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 5:38

Post #12 of 35 Views: 9854

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5cRzvw5r7M

You may need to increase your spring tension.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [lyrrad] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 11:47

Post #13 of 35 Views: 9790

lyrrad wrote:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5cRzvw5r7M

You may need to increase your spring tension.

That is exactly the brake system I have. However, there is no CB90 quick release as you can see in the photos.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 13:50

Post #14 of 35 Views: 9745

Does your bike have horizontal or vertical dropouts?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [jkhayc] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 13:51

Post #15 of 35 Views: 9743

jkhayc wrote:

Does your bike have horizontal or vertical dropouts?

Look at the photos. I am not sure what you mean. It's a Shimano Ultegra Direct Mount brake system.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 14:33

Post #16 of 35 Views: 9716

gazoome wrote:

lyrrad wrote:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5cRzvw5r7M

You may need to increase your spring tension.

That is exactly the brake system I have. However, there is no CB90 quick release as you can see in the photos.

I have the same setup as you, without the CB90 the only way you can adjust clearance is by releasing the cable from the brake and try to clamp it down again with the right slack. Order the quick release and have it installed.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 17:18

Post #17 of 35 Views: 9682

I have heard of a few other people with this issue. I know one of the Cyclingnews guys had to shave a mm off each brake pad to allow for the proper clearance. Maybe try that?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [titemple652] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 18:04

Post #18 of 35 Views: 9669

Why go trough the trouble of shaving the pad when having and adjuster will allow to set the clearance with a few turns?
The brakes open wide enough to allow a 25mm tire to go trough so I don't think is a matter of the brakes not opening wide enough, is just that he can't adjust them. The adjuster will also be useful as the pads wear down during their life.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [Art M.] [ In reply to ]

Feb 19, 18 18:06

Post #19 of 35 Views: 9664

There are some instances out there where the user also has very wide rims and the caliper was not opening wide enough with or without the adjuster. They shaved 1mm off each pad and it worked to provide the required clearance to prevent rubbing. It is just something to consider

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [titemple652] [ In reply to ]

Feb 20, 18 0:55

Post #20 of 35 Views: 9636

titemple652 wrote:

There are some instances out there where the user also has very wide rims and the caliper was not opening wide enough with or without the adjuster. They shaved 1mm off each pad and it worked to provide the required clearance to prevent rubbing. It is just something to consider

Thanks everyone.

All my wheels/tyres are 25mm. The Shimano Direct Mount should be compatible.

But you are right, I am missing the adjuster. I just spent 360 dollars to get this installed, no way I am spending more money on this bike.

Is there any way to adjust them slightly without the adjuster or having to file the pads?

I will put both spacers on the outside as someone here suggested.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 20, 18 2:53

Post #21 of 35 Views: 9616

have you unhooked the cable yet just to see what the full open position is? That bend in the cable seems a bit funky. As you can see in the drawing, it's not intended to be like that. Plus, seems like having that bend would cause some weird tension when braking. It's really just a case of rotating the little screw/clip that locks down the cable if I'm not mistaken.

I'm far from an experienced bike wrench and I've adjusted my brakes plenty of times for different width wheels. I wouldn't be too concerned resetting the cable and not having it attached should show you the limits of the brake width more easily.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 20, 18 8:02

Post #22 of 35 Views: 9576

gazoome wrote:

jkhayc wrote:

Does your bike have horizontal or vertical dropouts?

Look at the photos. I am not sure what you mean. It's a Shimano Ultegra Direct Mount brake system.

The rear dropouts are where you install the axle of your rear wheel.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [jimatbeyond] [ In reply to ]

Feb 20, 18 8:14

Post #23 of 35 Views: 9568

From your photos in your original post.
The brake pads are positioned incorrectly, there are obvious rub marks on the sidewall of the tyre.
The cable housing is routed incorrectly.

The cable appears loose even though the brakes are close to the rim so something is wrong, check the pivots on both sides for free movement a well as checking the interlock mechanism for free movement.
Fit an adjuster.
Re-position your pads.
Maybe set to high tension spring position.
Re-route the cable the correct way.

Use the liberal free gun laws in America and go and shoot the idiot that installed this.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [lyrrad] [ In reply to ]

Feb 24, 18 12:42

Post #24 of 35 Views: 9465

So I followed everybody's advice.

I adjusted the braking tension using the cable itself. It took me almost an hour to get it exactly right. Now it's working :)

In the process of pulling the end cable, I accidentally took off the end cable cap.

I torqued the screw to 6 newtonmeters.

Here are photos. Everything good?

Last edited by: gazoome: Feb 24, 18 12:43

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 24, 18 20:26

Post #25 of 35 Views: 9387

By pulling off the ferule, it looks like the cable is beginning to fray. That's not a problem in and of itself, but it looks like there's almost no cable being bitten by the screw. I wouldn't trust that.

JustinDoesTriathlon

Owner, FuelRodz Endurance.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [justinhorne] [ In reply to ]

Feb 25, 18 9:25

Post #26 of 35 Views: 4210

justinhorne wrote:

By pulling off the ferule, it looks like the cable is beginning to fray. That's not a problem in and of itself, but it looks like there's almost no cable being bitten by the screw. I wouldn't trust that.

Ok, so I re-adjusted it. Now it's biting the cable a lot more.

I took a test ride and the rim is not rubbing the brakes anymore.

See the photo attached here.

Last edited by: gazoome: Feb 25, 18 9:29

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 25, 18 12:41

Post #27 of 35 Views: 4174

Am I okay here?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 25, 18 21:32

Post #28 of 35 Views: 4148

The cable is supposed to run along the outside of the arm, resting on the shelf just ahead of the pinch bolt. It is correct in the original photo at the beginning of your thread. In my estimation the cable has been compromised by all the work you’ve done and it should be replaced for fear of slippage/breakage. I think the problem is not how it was run through the pinch bolt but rather how the cable housing is approaching the brake. I’m not familiar with the exact set up but from the earlier picture almost looks like the housing should be underneath the black plastic cover that’s attached to the frame. Routing it through there would give a better approach angle and potentially less bind. Again, I’m only working off of your photos and without having the bike in hand I can’t tell if that is really what’s causing the issue.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 25, 18 21:49

Post #29 of 35 Views: 4143

I would ask the bike shop for a refund.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [Chris B.O.B.] [ In reply to ]

Feb 25, 18 23:25

Post #30 of 35 Views: 4131

Chris B.O.B. wrote:

The cable is supposed to run along the outside of the arm, resting on the shelf just ahead of the pinch bolt. It is correct in the original photo at the beginning of your thread. In my estimation the cable has been compromised by all the work you’ve done and it should be replaced for fear of slippage/breakage. I think the problem is not how it was run through the pinch bolt but rather how the cable housing is approaching the brake. I’m not familiar with the exact set up but from the earlier picture almost looks like the housing should be underneath the black plastic cover that’s attached to the frame. Routing it through there would give a better approach angle and potentially less bind. Again, I’m only working off of your photos and without having the bike in hand I can’t tell if that is really what’s causing the issue.

Thanks for the explanation.

If I go back to the shop now, they'll just say it's my fault because I did the work myself based on the recommendations on the forum here.

Anyway, the brakes are working fine now. After a test ride they are no longer rubbing and they feel good when I pull them. Also the cable looks to be pinched down pretty well.

Should I not just leave as it is and call it a day?

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 26, 18 4:16

Post #31 of 35 Views: 4117

I wouldn’t ride that.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [Chris B.O.B.] [ In reply to ]

Feb 26, 18 4:21

Post #32 of 35 Views: 4110

And for clarity, I don’t think anyone here advised that you run the cable into the pinch bolt that way.

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 26, 18 4:36

Post #33 of 35 Views: 4104

Yeah, you want the cable to run outside the bolt, like the photo below. The cable may be starting too fray a bit, so you may want to consider running a brand new cable.

Alex Arman

Strava

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [Chris B.O.B.] [ In reply to ]

Feb 26, 18 7:25

Post #34 of 35 Views: 4073

Chris B.O.B. wrote:

The cable is supposed to run along the outside of the arm, resting on the shelf just ahead of the pinch bolt. It is correct in the original photo at the beginning of your thread.

That's what I thought too. The photos aren't super clear in the beginning, so if the pads were rubbing on the tire, fair game. But the cable itself looks correct.

Chris B.O.B. wrote:

I’m not familiar with the exact set up but from the earlier picture almost looks like the housing should be underneath the black plastic cover that’s attached to the frame. Routing it through there would give a better approach angle and potentially less bind.

Yeah, that looks like it would help the line a lot.

EDIT to add: But yeah OP, it's currently setup incorrectly.

JustinDoesTriathlon

Owner, FuelRodz Endurance.

Last edited by: justinhorne: Feb 26, 18 7:31

Re: Shimano Direct Mount brakes, brakes are rubbing, can't adjust clearance [gazoome] [ In reply to ]

Feb 26, 18 7:48

Post #35 of 35 Views: 4060

gazoome wrote:

jkhayc wrote:

Does your bike have horizontal or vertical dropouts?

Look at the photos. I am not sure what you mean. It's a Shimano Ultegra Direct Mount brake system.

if your bike has horizontal dropouts, you may simply need to move the wheel backwards.

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