Adjusting Rad Power mechanical disc brakes - Part 1

Are your disc brakes feeling weak after a few weeks of riding? Here’s a video describing how to make quick adjustments to get your brake pads back in position after normal wear. This video doesn’t cover how to initially set up the brakes, only to make minor adjustments afterward they’ve been properly set up.
Video by J. Glasser

[@SuperDrefuss]

My front brakes just wouldn't work. I tried several suggestions, watched numerous videos. decided to rely on the rears until I could manage to get to a repair shop. Even the thought of that was daunting, knowing it would be in shop for a week or more. Tried this, actually that adjuster on the wheel, clicked a few notches in, and bingo. Brakes work perfectly. so glad I stumbled on this video. kudos to you for this.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Good job getting extra support when you needed it.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Lotus, I'm really glad to hear that!

[@milkmommy7129]

thank you so much!!!!!!

[@antoniojrodriguezamador5437]

Nicely 👍: Thanks allot my brother from another mother 8-)

[@lotus8059]

This is the best video I've seen about e-bike brakes. I just fixed my brakes in 30 seconds! This morning I went to San Diego Electric Bikes in Solana Beach and there were 3 tools in there but nobody who knew how to fix e bikes. They told me it would take two weeks (or more, if I waited) to fix my brakes and I just did it in 30 seconds! I guess if you are going to ride, you have to know how to fix your bike. Now I know.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Great to hear!

[@murrinstephenm3095]

Very helpful with my RadRover. Thank you 👍🏼

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Glad to hear!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Forget a simple cable adjust. How do I center the caliper on the rotor to eliminate weird noises?

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Gerald, here's the follow up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYTbpmOeeZJshcU

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Here's a far from perfect next video on that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYTbpmOeeZJshcUsi=u3kBl-BwFef7Pmo4

[@josargor8179]

i just changed the break pads on my rad runner. i reset the caliper and the barrel since i figure i will need the space for my new pads but some reason it's really loose and doesn't even close tight enough stop my wheels after i squeezed all the way down. any reason why that is?

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Take a look at the part 2 video for how to adjust the inboard pad clearance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYTbpmOeeZJshcU

[@vickrivera9625]

hi. thanks for the content. Question, which direction do you turn the knob for the cable by the brake lever and cable knob by the caliper to make the lever tighter? thanks

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

To the left or counterclockwise to unscrew the barrel adjuster from the body of the brake lever. That make the outer sleeve (brake housing) longer which pulls the cable more. Imagine making your jacket sleeve longer which makes your arm seem shorter/pull more at something you're holding onto.

[@ryanschaefer2702]

Can you share where you purchased the sissy bar for the passenger seat please.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

I can't remember the maker of that seat system, but I see them falling apart on different bikes so can't recommend them. I did customize some YUBA monkey bars to fit on a RadRunner and that worked out well.

[@mikelamalfa3243]

Take the mask off your in fresh air.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

So, true. I'm sure people have COVID memories seeing the mask. I'd love to say that COVID is done, however I have it right now - June 2024.

[@Killemgrillem00]

I turned it off when i saw the mask..

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

I don't blame you.

[@diegograham4399]

Hey i wanted to say thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to teach us how to adjust our bike. It feels good fixing something and now we all can do this fix thanks to you. GREAT VIDEO!! You rock Man!

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Thanks!

[@blakefre]

This is precisely the information I needed. Thank you very much!!

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@vxcomanche]

Omg finally a video that is plain and simple! Thank you!

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Yay. You're welcome

[@benjaminsergeant438]

thanks very much man !

[@davidrowe8747]

If the cable is super-stretched, don't you eventually run out of adjustment using these methods, and have to pull the cable through the locknut? You can only undo the barrel adjuster so far.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

I’m glad you brought that up. Yes, there is a point where the barrel adjusters can’t be turned out any more. I normally see this when the brake pads are about 70% worn. At that point I’ll adjust the brake again. I’ll loosen the caliper mounting bolts, screw the barrel adjusters almost all the way back in (reset them) leaving about 1/4” of slack and tighten the inner pad adjustment (5mm piston) until the brake lever pulls about 1” or 3cm from initial lever squeeze until the brake pads engage on the rotor. At that point I’ll manually center the pads so they aren’t touching the rotor as best I can and straighten (bend the rotor manually with a rotor alignment tool/ or small adjustable jaw/crescent wrench). I use the barrel adjuster slack to fine tune. This will likely be my next video.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

And, if needed I’ll tighten the cable at the caliper.

[@davidrowe8747]

@@jasonserafino-agar9964 Thank you; in my case it was a new bike and I think the brakes simply weren't installed correctly (cable not pulled tight enough before screwing it down). The brake lever was touching the handlebar when the brakes were less than 50% applied.

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Totally. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYTbpmOeeZJshcUsi=u3kBl-BwFef7Pmo4

[@1piercedguy]

Thanks for the video I was able to adjust my brakes and feel a lot better stopping! You rock

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Great to hear!

[@milkmommy7129]

what is the tool called and where can i buy one?

[@jasonserafino-agar9964]

Any longer 5mm hex wrench will work. The Wera 3950 PKL Hex-Plus SW 5mm Hex Key is a great and affordable option.