BR-6700 Brake Maintenance Plan: How to Keep Your Set-Up Perfect for Years

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The Shimano BR-6700 [paid link] caliper brake, part of the Ultegra 6700 series, is renowned for its reliable modulation, strong stopping power, and refined aesthetics. As a performance-oriented dual-pivot caliper, it’s critical that it receives consistent and thorough maintenance to preserve its effectiveness and ensure longevity. This comprehensive maintenance plan focuses specifically on the Shimano BR-6700 [paid link] and outlines all essential steps for keeping your braking system dialed-in, from cleaning routines to component inspections.

Understanding the Shimano BR-6700 Brake System

The BR-6700 [paid link] caliper features a symmetrical dual-pivot design and cartridge-style brake pads with integrated holders. Its compatibility with standard road rim widths, paired with Shimano’s SLR (Shimano Linear Response) cable pull ratio, means it delivers consistent lever feel when matched with the correct STI levers. Before initiating any maintenance procedures, it’s crucial to recognize the unique design features that set the BR-6700 apart—especially its narrower arm profile and integrated spring tension adjustment.

Routine Inspection Protocols

Regular inspection is the cornerstone of effective brake maintenance. For BR-6700 users, focus on:

  • Brake Pad Wear: Examine the pad surface monthly for wear indicators. If the grooves are nearly gone or unevenly worn, replacement is necessary. Misaligned pads can cause uneven wear and rim damage.
  • Cable Friction and Stretch: Frayed or dry cables reduce braking power. Inspect for corrosion and stretch, particularly at the lever and pinch bolt.
  • Arm Centering and Pivot Smoothness: Check for equal arm movement when the brake lever is pulled. Uneven response may indicate internal contamination or spring imbalance.
  • Mounting Bolt Torque: Ensure the center bolt is torqued to Shimano’s specification (6–8 Nm) to maintain caliper alignment and secure positioning.

Cleaning Procedure for BR-6700 Calipers

Contaminants like road salt, grime, and brake dust can degrade performance. The BR-6700’s slim design makes cleaning both essential and relatively simple:

  1. Use a Damp Cloth and Mild Detergent: Gently wipe the arms and pivot points. Avoid aggressive solvents that can degrade rubber seals or paint.
  2. Clean Brake Pads and Rim Track: Use isopropyl alcohol to degrease the pad surface and braking track. Never use oil-based cleaners.
  3. Inspect Pivot Points: Apply a light lubricant such as PTFE spray to the pivot bolts, then actuate the brake several times to distribute it evenly. Wipe excess to prevent attracting debris.

Adjustment Intervals and Procedures

Proper adjustment not only improves brake performance but also extends component life. Shimano BR-6700 brakes feature a barrel adjuster and a spring tension screw, both of which play crucial roles in tuning.

Pad Positioning

Realign pads every 2-3 months:

  • Ensure the pad is parallel to the rim and not rubbing the tire or falling below the rim’s braking surface.
  • Toe-in the pads slightly to minimize brake squeal—1–2 mm at the trailing edge.

Cable Tension

Every 4–6 weeks:

  • Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune cable tension, especially as pads wear.
  • Excess slack can cause spongy feel; too tight can result in pad rub.

Centering the Brake Arms

Misaligned calipers cause uneven pad wear:

  • Use a 2 mm hex wrench to adjust the centering screw, located on the side of the caliper arm.
  • The arms should move symmetrically and retract fully when released.

Pad Replacement and Cartridge Maintenance

While BR-6700 pads are replaceable, the holders should be cleaned and re-greased periodically:

  • Every 3,000–4,000 km or when braking power decreases: Slide out the cartridge pad from the holder. Clean the holder channel and reinsert a new pad with the directional arrow facing the correct way.
  • Ensure pads are properly seated and secured with the integrated bolt or clip.

Brake Cable and Housing Care

Although not proprietary to the BR-6700, compatible cable systems require maintenance to maintain brake response:

  • Lubricate Inner Cable: Use a light, silicone-based lubricant along the inner cable every 6 months.
  • Inspect Housing Ends: Frayed or split ends lead to cable drag. Use end caps to prevent moisture ingress.

Annual Full-Service Checklist

Once a year—or more frequently in harsh riding environments—perform a comprehensive maintenance check:

  • Remove calipers from the frame.
  • Fully clean and re-lubricate pivot mechanisms.
  • Replace cables and housing.
  • Install new brake pads.
  • Re-torque all bolts and re-center calipers.

Preventive Measures to Extend Brake Life

Several strategies can extend the lifespan of your BR-6700 brakes:

  • Avoid Wet Conditions When Possible: Rain accelerates rim and pad wear.
  • Use Matching Shimano STI Levers: Ensures optimal SLR pull ratio and pad contact timing.
  • Clean Wheels Weekly: Dirt and debris on the braking track shorten pad life and degrade performance.
  • Monitor Rim Wear: Excessive rim wear leads to poor pad contact and unsafe braking.

Signs You Need Immediate Maintenance

Even with a maintenance plan, sudden performance drops can happen. Watch for:

  • Spongy or delayed braking response.
  • Metallic grinding noises (indicates pad contamination or worn pads).
  • Uneven pad contact or brake drag.
  • Lever pull bottoming out before engaging the rim.

These symptoms require urgent inspection to avoid component failure or unsafe operation.

Internal Cable Routing Considerations

While BR-6700 brakes are not inherently affected by internal routing, friction introduced by poorly routed cables in modern frames can hinder lever feel. When installing on aero or integrated bikes, use high-quality, low-friction cables and housing to preserve the brake’s natural modulation.

Storage and Off-Season Maintenance

For bikes stored for long periods:

  • Loosen cable tension slightly to relieve strain.
  • Store in a dry environment to prevent corrosion on calipers and mounting bolts.
  • Periodically actuate levers to keep the pivots moving freely.

Conclusion

Following a dedicated Shimano BR-6700 brake maintenance plan not only keeps your bike running smoothly but also prevents premature wear and costly replacements. From pad alignment to cable lubrication, every step plays a role in ensuring safe, responsive braking performance. By integrating these tasks into your regular bike care routine, you’ll preserve the integrity and stopping power of your Ultegra brake calipers for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I clean my BR-6700 brake calipers?
You should clean them monthly, or more frequently if riding in wet or dusty conditions.

2. Can I use third-party pads with BR-6700 brakes?
Yes, but Shimano-branded pads are recommended for the best modulation and longevity.

3. Why are my BR-6700 brakes squealing?
This could be due to contamination or improper toe-in of the pads. Cleaning and adjustment usually resolve it.

4. What type of lubricant should I use on the pivots?
A light PTFE-based or silicone spray lubricant works best for BR-6700 pivots.

5. Are BR-6700 brakes compatible with all Shimano STI levers?
They are fully compatible with Shimano 6700-series STI levers and other SLR-EV systems, but performance may vary with other systems.

6. When should I replace the brake cable on my BR-6700 brakes?
At least once per year, or sooner if there is visible corrosion, fraying, or increased lever resistance.