How to Install Avid Brakes
- 1). Loosen the quick release lever of both wheels and pull them away from the frame of the bike. Set the frame down gently on its left side so you don't damage it or any of the drivetrain parts. If your bike has disc brake rotors, use a 5mm torx wrench to remove the mounting bolts and pull them off of the wheels. Attach an Avid brake rotor to each wheel using the mounting bolts provided and a 5mm torx wrench.
- 2). Slide the wheels back into the dropouts on the frame of the bike and close the quick release levers to secure them in place. Set your bike on its kickstand or in a stationary trainer or work stand. Slide the right and left handlebar grips off of the handlebars. Use a small amount of WD-40 if necessary to help loosen the grips.
- 3). Loosen the brake lever clamp bolt for the right and left brake levers using a 5mm hex wrench. Slide these levers off of the handlebars to make way for the new Avid levers. Let the brake levers hang from the bars for now. Slide the left Avid lever onto the left handlebar and tighten the clamp bolt to hold it in place. Install the right Avid lever the same way. Let the brake calipers hang from the levers for now.
- 4). Loosen the two mounting bolts of the rear brake caliper if one is installed. Pull the existing caliper, and the lever attached to it, away from the bike and set it aside. Repeat this procedure to remove the front brake caliper if necessary.
- 5). Set the front brake caliper in place on the front brake caliper mounts. Be sure the rotor fits easily between the brake pads in the caliper, and that the brake line doesn't rub the tire. Set the included mounting bolts in place and thread them into the mounts using a 5mm hex wrench. Grab and hold the front brake lever, then tighten the mounting bolts. Repeat this procedure to install the rear brake caliper.
- 6). Tie the rear brake line to the frame using the included zip-ties. Squeeze both brake levers multiple times to set the brake pads, then take your bike out for a test ride to make sure everything works properly.