How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Shimano BR-R7170 Disc Brakes

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in Brakes, Shimano

The Shimano BR-R7170 [paid link] hydraulic disc brakes are designed for performance-oriented road cyclists who demand precision braking and reliability. As part of the 105 Di2 series, these brakes provide exceptional modulation, improved heat dissipation, and a streamlined design for easy maintenance.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing, adjusting, and maintaining your Shimano BR-R7170 [paid link] disc brakes, ensuring you get the most out of your braking system.

Tools Required

Before beginning, gather the following tools:

  • 5mm and 4mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • Shimano hydraulic mineral oil [paid link]
  • Bleed kit [paid link] (Shimano-specific)
  • Syringes and tubing for bleeding
  • Isopropyl alcohol and clean rags
  • Shimano pad spacer
  • Rotor truing tool (if necessary)
  • Flathead screwdriver (for pad removal)

Shimano BR-R7170 Disc Brake Installation

1. Mounting the Calipers

  • Align the BR-R7170 [paid link] caliper with the mounting holes on your bike’s frame or fork.
  • Insert the bolts and lightly tighten them using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link].
  • Ensure the caliper is centered over the rotor before fully tightening the bolts.
  • Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the bolts to Shimano’s recommended spec (6-8Nm).

2. Installing the Rotors

  • Secure the disc rotor (Shimano RT-CL800 recommended) onto the hub.
  • If using a Center Lock rotor, tighten it using the Shimano lockring tool [paid link].
  • If using a 6-bolt rotor, tighten the bolts in a star pattern to prevent warping.
  • Ensure the rotor is free from contamination by wiping it with isopropyl alcohol.

3. Connecting the Hydraulic Hose

  • Insert the hydraulic hose into the brake caliper and secure it with the connecting bolt.
  • Trim the hose to the appropriate length using Shimano’s hose cutting tool.
  • Insert a new olive and barb before securing the connection.
  • Tighten the hose connection to the specified torque (5-7Nm).

Adjusting the Shimano BR-R7170 Brakes

1. Centering the Caliper

  • Loosen the caliper mounting bolts slightly.
  • Pull the brake lever to clamp the caliper onto the rotor.
  • While holding the lever, tighten the mounting bolts evenly to ensure perfect alignment.
  • Check for rotor rub by spinning the wheel and adjusting as needed.

2. Adjusting Lever Reach

  • The Shimano BR-R7170 levers feature reach adjustment.
  • Use a 2mm Allen key to turn the reach adjust screw inside the lever.
  • Adjust the reach to ensure comfortable lever engagement.

3. Bedding-In New Brake Pads

  • To maximize braking power, perform the bedding-in process.
  • Ride at a moderate speed and apply the brakes firmly 10-15 times.
  • Repeat for both front and rear brakes to ensure optimal performance.

Shimano BR-R7170 Maintenance Guide

1. Cleaning and Inspecting the Rotors

  • Wipe the rotors with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove contaminants.
  • Inspect for any warping or scoring. If damaged, replace the rotor.

2. Checking and Replacing Brake Pads

  • Remove the retaining bolt using a 3mm Allen wrench [paid link].
  • Slide out the old brake pads and inspect for wear.
  • If the pads are thinner than 0.5mm, replace them with Shimano L05A resin pads.
  • Insert new pads and secure them with the retaining bolt.

3. Bleeding the Shimano BR-R7170 Brakes

  • Attach the bleed cup to the brake lever and remove the bleed screw.
  • Fill the syringe with Shimano mineral oil [paid link] and connect it to the caliper bleed port.
  • Push oil through the system until air bubbles are removed.
  • Close the bleed port, reinstall the bleed screw, and clean any excess oil.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Brake Lever Feels Spongy

  • Air in the hydraulic system requires bleeding.
  • Check hose connections for leaks.

2. Brake Pads Rubbing on Rotor

  • Recenter the caliper.
  • Ensure the rotor is true using a rotor truing tool.

3. Weak Braking Performance

  • Check if the pads are contaminated.
  • Replace worn pads or rotors if necessary.

Shimano BR-R7170 Compatibility

  • Compatible with Shimano 105 Di2 levers (ST-R7170).
  • Uses Shimano L05A resin pads or L04C metal pads.
  • Recommended for use with Shimano RT-CL800 rotors for optimal heat dissipation.

FAQs

1. How often should I bleed my Shimano BR-R7170 brakes?

It depends on usage, but Shimano recommends bleeding once a year or if the braking feel becomes inconsistent.

2. What brake pads should I use with the BR-R7170?

Use Shimano L05A resin pads for quiet performance or L04C metal pads for better heat dissipation.

3. Can I use third-party rotors with Shimano BR-R7170?

While possible, Shimano recommends using RT-CL800 rotors for best performance.

4. Why are my BR-R7170 brakes making noise?

Noise could be due to contamination, improper bedding-in, or misaligned rotors. Clean and realign to resolve the issue.

5. What is the correct torque setting for BR-R7170 caliper bolts?

The correct torque setting is 6-8Nm for the caliper bolts and 5-7Nm for the hydraulic hose connection.

6. Can I upgrade my Shimano BR-R7170 brakes to a higher-tier model?

Yes, you can upgrade to Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes, but you may need to replace levers and rotors for full compatibility.

Conclusion

The Shimano BR-R7170 disc brakes offer top-tier performance when properly installed, adjusted, and maintained. Regular servicing, correct pad alignment, and proper bleeding ensure smooth and powerful braking. By following this guide, you can keep your brakes in peak condition for years to come.