How to adjust front disc brakes and caliper - XplorerUpdated a month ago

All our bikes are carefully assembled and thoroughly tested with multiple test rides at the manufacturer to ensure they are properly set up, so any significant issues, like those mentioned by the local bike shop you visited, are highly unlikely.

If the brake disc is not bent inside the caliper and can be aligned properly within the gaps, some friction noise is normal during the first 20-30 km as the pads and rotor bed in.

To adjust the caliper and brake disc alignment:

1. Loosen the bolts highlighted below to adjust the caliper position.
2. Align the caliper so the disc runs freely between the brake pads without significant rubbing.
3. Retighten the bolts once the alignment is correct.

If you find that the brake disc cannot be properly aligned within the caliper and there is always a slight angle causing it to rub on one side:

1. Remove the front wheel.
2. Loosen the bolts shown below that secure the fork leg (caliper side).
3. Gently twist the fork leg (caliper side) slightly to correct any misalignment.
4. Reinstall the front wheel and check if the brake disc and caliper are now properly aligned.
5. Spin the wheel to ensure there is no excessive rubbing noise.
6. Once everything looks aligned, securely tighten the front wheel axle and caliper bolts.

Better to adjust the fork leg

There is actually a better way to adjust the fork leg, start by flipping your bike upside down, just like in the photos. Loosely put the front wheel back on, but don’t fully tighten anything just yet. On the side with the brake caliper, carefully adjust the fork leg to get the angle just right. Once it looks good, give the wheel a spin to check for any excessive friction. Just be careful while the wheel is spinning – brake discs can be really sharp! If you’re feeling unsure or not too confident, it’s totally okay to ask someone experienced with bike repairs for help or stop by your local bike shop. Once everything is aligned properly, go ahead and tighten all the bolts and the front-wheel axle. 

Tips to fix the caliper shift when the wheel is tightened

I noticed that you also mentioned the caliper shifts slightly when the wheel is tightened, causing the brake disc to sit too close to one side again. To address this, I recommend positioning the brake disc slightly closer to the opposite side before tightening the axle. This way, when the caliper shifts during tightening, the brake disc will end up properly centered.