The Shimano BR-R7170 [paid link] is a high-performance hydraulic disc brake designed for precise stopping power and reliability. However, improper installation can lead to compromised braking performance, leading to safety concerns and unnecessary wear on your components. In this guide, we’ll highlight the common installation mistakes when setting up the Shimano BR-R7170 [paid link] disc brakes, and how to avoid them to ensure optimal performance from your braking system.
Tools Required
- Shimano BR-R7170 [paid link] disc brake set
- Brake fluid (Shimano mineral oil [paid link])
- Hydraulic brake bleeder kit
- 5mm and 2.5mm Allen wrenches [paid link]
- Torque wrench [paid link] (set to manufacturer recommended torque values)
- Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning)
- Clean lint-free cloth
- Disc brake rotors (compatible with BR-R7170)
- Brake rotor adapter (if necessary)
- Brake lever (Shimano compatible)
- Brake caliper mounting bolts
- Zip ties or brake hose holders (for temporary positioning)
Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Incorrect Brake Rotor Alignment
Proper rotor alignment is crucial to avoid rubbing or inefficient braking. When the rotor is not properly aligned with the caliper, it can cause the brake pads to drag, reducing stopping power and causing excessive wear.
- How to Avoid It: Ensure that the rotor is properly centered within the caliper before tightening the mounting bolts. Use a rotor alignment tool to check for true rotor alignment, and adjust as necessary. Make sure the rotor bolts are tightened to the specified torque values to prevent movement after installation.
2. Failure to Properly Mount the Brake Calipers
If the brake caliper is not correctly positioned on the frame or fork, it can lead to poor braking performance. A misaligned caliper may cause uneven pad wear, loss of stopping power, or a soft feel at the brake lever.
- How to Avoid It: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when mounting the calipers. Ensure that the mounting bolts are torqued to the correct specifications and that the caliper is securely fixed to the frame. If using adapters, ensure they are correctly installed to match your frame or fork’s specifications.
3. Over-tightening the Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts
It’s easy to assume that tightening the bolts as much as possible will secure the calipers more effectively. However, over-tightening the caliper mounting bolts can cause damage to the brake caliper or frame, resulting in compromised performance or even potential failure.
- How to Avoid It: Always use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value (usually between 6-8 Nm). This ensures the caliper is firmly mounted without putting unnecessary stress on the components.
4. Improper Brake Hose Routing
Brake hoses should be routed carefully to avoid interference with moving parts, excessive bending, or abrasions. A poorly routed hose can result in reduced braking efficiency and difficulty in steering control.
- How to Avoid It: Take the time to route the brake hoses cleanly, avoiding sharp bends and areas where the hose could rub against other parts of the bike. Use zip ties or hose holders to secure the hoses in place, ensuring they don’t interfere with suspension travel, handlebars, or tire clearance.
5. Not Bleeding the Brakes Properly
Hydraulic disc brakes like the Shimano BR-R7170 require proper bleeding to remove air bubbles from the brake lines. Failure to properly bleed the system can result in a spongy brake lever feel and reduced braking performance.
- How to Avoid It: After installation, ensure that you follow the correct procedure for bleeding the brakes. Use the Shimano brake bleeding kit and ensure you fill the system with the correct mineral oil [paid link]. Take care to remove all air from the lines to achieve a firm and responsive brake lever feel.
6. Using Incompatible Brake Rotors
Not all brake rotors are compatible with all brake calipers. Using a rotor that is too thick or too thin for the BR-R7170 caliper can result in poor performance, heat buildup, or even damage to the caliper.
- How to Avoid It: Make sure you use Shimano-approved rotors with the BR-R7170 caliper. The recommended rotor thickness is 1.8mm, and you should ensure the rotor is designed for use with your specific brake system.
7. Incorrect Brake Lever Setup
The Shimano BR-R7170 system requires Shimano-specific hydraulic brake levers. Using incompatible levers can affect the hydraulic pressure and cause inconsistent braking performance.
- How to Avoid It: Always pair the BR-R7170 calipers with compatible Shimano hydraulic brake levers. Ensure that the levers are set up to match the reach and travel needed for proper braking action.
8. Not Checking for Pad Clearance
The brake pads should have adequate clearance from the rotor when the brakes are not engaged. If the pads are too close to the rotor, it will cause rubbing and loss of efficiency.
- How to Avoid It: Before final installation, check the pad clearance. Adjust the caliper position or pad position if necessary. Once the system is bled, check for any rubbing and make sure the rotor can spin freely without resistance.
9. Failing to Clean Components Before Installation
Brake components, including rotors and pads, should be free from oils, grease, or contaminants before installation. Oil or grease on the braking surface can severely impair performance and lead to unsafe braking.
- How to Avoid It: Clean all components, including the brake rotors, pads, and mounting hardware, with isopropyl alcohol before installation. Use a lint-free cloth to ensure there is no residue left behind.
10. Ignoring the Break-In Process
After installing your Shimano BR-R7170 disc brakes, it’s essential to go through a proper break-in procedure. Failing to do so can lead to glazing on the brake pads, reducing their effectiveness.
- How to Avoid It: After installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bedding in the pads. This usually involves performing a series of controlled braking actions to allow the pads to evenly coat the rotor and achieve optimal braking performance.
Conclusion
Proper installation of the Shimano BR-R7170 disc brakes is essential to ensure optimal braking performance and safety. Avoiding the mistakes listed above will help you get the most out of your new brake system and prevent common issues such as rubbing, spongy brakes, and reduced stopping power. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, use the correct tools, and make sure each component is properly set up for a smooth, safe, and efficient ride.