How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Shimano BR-4770 Disc Brakes

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in Brakes, Shimano

The Shimano BR-4770 [paid link] disc brakes are a reliable choice for road cyclists who demand consistent braking performance in all conditions. Whether you’re upgrading your braking system, replacing old calipers, or fine-tuning your setup, proper installation and maintenance are crucial.

This guide will walk you through installing, adjusting, and maintaining the Shimano BR-4770 [paid link] disc brakes to ensure smooth and powerful stopping power.

Tools Required

Before you start, gather the following tools:

1. Installing the Shimano BR-4770 Disc Brakes

Step 1: Preparing the Frame and Fork

Before mounting the calipers, ensure your frame and fork are disc-brake compatible. Clean the mounting surfaces with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt or grease that might affect alignment.

Step 2: Attaching the Brake Calipers

  1. Position the BR-4770 [paid link] calipers over the disc rotor.
  2. Use a 5 mm Allen wrench [paid link] to tighten the caliper mounting bolts loosely, allowing for further alignment adjustments later.

Step 3: Installing the Brake Hose

  1. Insert the hydraulic hose into the brake caliper and secure it using the Shimano hose connector system.
  2. Trim excess hose length if necessary and insert the hose barb and olive before tightening the compression nut.
  3. Ensure there are no kinks in the hose for smooth fluid flow.

2. Adjusting the Shimano BR-4770 Disc Brakes

Step 1: Aligning the Brake Calipers

  1. Squeeze the brake lever to center the caliper over the rotor.
  2. While holding the lever, gradually tighten the caliper bolts with a 5 mm Allen wrench to 5–7 Nm torque.
  3. Release the brake lever and check if the rotor rubs against the pads.

Step 2: Checking Brake Lever Feel

  • If the brake lever feels spongy, you may need to bleed the system to remove air bubbles.
  • If the lever engages too close to the handlebar, adjust the reach adjustment screw.

Step 3: Adjusting the Brake Pad Clearance

  • Shimano’s Ice-Tech pads automatically adjust as they wear, but you should manually check pad clearance to ensure they are not too close to the rotor.
  • If needed, insert a pad spacer and pump the brake lever to reset the position.

3. Maintaining the Shimano BR-4770 Disc Brakes

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

  • Wipe the rotors with isopropyl alcohol regularly to remove dirt and oil buildup.
  • Inspect brake pads for wear—replace them when they are less than 0.5 mm thick.
  • Check for any signs of leaks or air bubbles in the hydraulic system.

Bleeding the Brakes

To maintain optimal braking power, bleed the Shimano BR-4770 brakes every 6–12 months or if you notice a soft lever feel.

  1. Attach the bleed funnel to the lever and add Shimano hydraulic mineral oil [paid link].
  2. Open the bleed port on the caliper and let the fluid cycle through until no air bubbles remain.
  3. Tighten the bleed port and remove excess oil before closing the system.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Brake Lever Feels Spongy

  • Air may be trapped in the system → Perform a brake bleed.
  • Mineral oil [paid link] may be low → Check fluid levels and top up if needed.

Disc Brake Squealing

  • Contaminated pads or rotors → Clean both with isopropyl alcohol or replace the pads if they are heavily contaminated.
  • Misaligned calipers → Realign the caliper using the centering technique.

Weak Braking Power

  • Worn-out brake pads → Replace with fresh Shimano Ice-Tech pads.
  • Glazed pads → Sand lightly or replace if braking feels inconsistent.

5. Optimizing Performance

Upgrading to Larger Rotors

  • Shimano BR-4770 is compatible with 140 mm and 160 mm rotors.
  • If you need more stopping power, upgrade to 160 mm rotors for increased braking force.

Using High-Performance Brake Pads

  • Shimano offers resin and metallic pads for the BR-4770.
  • Resin pads provide quieter braking and better modulation.
  • Metallic pads offer superior performance in wet conditions.

Conclusion

The Shimano BR-4770 disc brakes offer reliable and consistent braking power, but proper installation, adjustment, and maintenance are key to their performance. By following this guide, you can ensure your brakes remain in peak condition for every ride.