The Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] is a popular mid-range dual-pivot caliper brake from the 105 series, known for its reliable stopping power and compatibility with 10-speed road drivetrains. Despite its performance capabilities, improper setup can lead to weak braking, misalignment, or persistent noise. This guide focuses on identifying and resolving setup-related issues specific to the BR-5700 [paid link] to ensure optimal function and safety.
Common Indicators of a Poor Brake Setup
Improper installation of the BR-5700 [paid link] brakes can manifest in several ways. Recognizing these symptoms early helps avoid performance degradation or potential hazards:
- Soft or spongy lever feel: Often due to incorrect cable tension or poor cable routing.
- Brake pad misalignment: Leads to uneven pad wear or contact with the tire or too far from the rim.
- Noisy braking: Frequently the result of contamination, incorrect toe-in angle, or loose bolts.
- Uneven brake arm return: May indicate improper centering or worn spring tension.
- Weak stopping power: Caused by incorrect pad-to-rim spacing or incompatible lever pull.
Identifying the root cause requires a structured evaluation of each braking component in the system.
Centering the Brake Caliper for Even Pad Engagement
One of the most common setup errors with the BR-5700 is off-center caliper arms. This results in one pad contacting the rim before the other, which reduces braking efficiency and accelerates wear.
To fix this:
- Locate the centering screw on the side of the caliper arm.
- While applying the brake lever, observe which pad hits the rim first.
- Use a 2mm or 3mm Allen key to turn the centering screw in small increments.
- Adjust until both pads contact the rim simultaneously with equal force.
Proper centering ensures symmetrical arm movement, balanced braking, and optimal control under load.
Correcting Cable Tension and Housing Issues
Cable tension directly influences braking responsiveness. If the cable is too loose, the lever travel increases before the pads contact the rim. If it’s too tight, the pads may rub even when released.
To correct this:
- Loosen the cable anchor bolt with a 5mm Allen key.
- Pull the cable taut, but do not overtighten.
- Re-tighten the anchor bolt while holding the cable steady.
- Fine-tune using the barrel adjuster at the lever or caliper until brake lever feel is firm and pads engage with minimal travel.
Also check the condition of the cable housing. Kinks or frayed ends introduce friction and delay brake actuation. Replacing worn cables with high-quality, low-compression housing restores consistent lever response.
Brake Pad Alignment: Getting the Angle and Spacing Right
Misaligned pads can lead to noise, poor modulation, or rim damage. Proper installation involves both vertical positioning and toe-in adjustment.
Follow these alignment principles:
- Ensure pads are parallel to the rim surface.
- Leave a 1-2mm clearance between the pad and the rim.
- Set the front edge of each pad slightly closer to the rim (toe-in) to minimize squealing.
- Avoid pad contact with the tire sidewall at all costs.
Always tighten the pad holder bolt to manufacturer torque specs after adjusting, and recheck for movement after the first few rides.
Lever Reach and Compatibility Concerns
Although the BR-5700 is compatible with Shimano STI levers from the same generation (10-speed 105, Tiagra, and Ultegra), mismatched lever pull ratios can impair braking performance.
To ensure correct pairing:
- Use Shimano 10-speed road levers (e.g., ST-5700 [paid link], ST-6700 [paid link]).
- Avoid mixing with non-series levers or flat-bar road levers unless verified for compatibility.
- Adjust lever reach via the reach screw on STI hoods to suit your hand size and brake feel preferences.
Correct lever pairing maintains the designed mechanical advantage and ensures full pad retraction after release.
Mounting Torque and Caliper Bolt Security
If the caliper mounting bolt is not properly torqued to the frame or fork, the brake can shift under load or produce clicking noises during actuation.
To prevent this:
- Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the central caliper bolt to 8-10 Nm.
- Verify the brake caliper is flush against the frame mount surface.
- Avoid over-tightening, which can damage internal threads or deform the frame.
Secure mounting is critical to prevent lateral caliper movement and ensure long-term stability.
Frame and Rim Compatibility Considerations
The BR-5700 is designed for standard road frames and wheels with a dual-pivot reach range of 39-49mm. Incompatible frames or rims can affect pad alignment and braking consistency.
Verify the following:
- Frame and fork must support road caliper brakes with the appropriate reach.
- Rims should be aluminum or carbon with a brake track; incompatible rim widths may alter pad contact geometry.
- Avoid deep-section carbon rims unless brake pad compounds are compatible.
Always double-check that the pads match the rim material, as using incorrect compounds can severely affect braking power and longevity.
Environmental and User-Caused Setup Drift
Even a well-set BR-5700 system can fall out of optimal setup due to environmental changes, vibrations, or wear over time.
Common factors include:
- Temperature fluctuations causing cable stretch.
- Pad wear reducing pad-to-rim contact.
- Road vibrations loosening mounting hardware.
Regular inspections and preventive maintenance help identify and correct these issues before they affect performance.
Final Checklist: Ensuring Correct Setup
Before each ride, confirm these checkpoints:
- Brake pads engage the rim evenly and silently.
- Lever travel is short and responsive.
- No contact between brake pads and tires.
- Cable tension and routing are secure.
- Caliper remains centered during actuation.
Maintaining this setup integrity will keep your Shimano BR-5700 brakes performing to specification under all conditions.