How To Install Brakes On A BMX Bike

You just got your bike and your brakes need to be installed and you need to know how to install brakes on a BMX bike. Most BMX bikes when they are shipped need to be assembled and the brakes are a main part of the assembly. Brakes are usually one of the last parts to be installed on a bicycle, as it can be hard for the brakes to be adjusted. It is extremely important that they are installed properly so that you can have a safe ride. You can follow some general steps in order to be able to install brakes on a BMX bike.

To install brakes on a BMX bike you need:

• BMX brakes
• BMX bike
• hex wrench set
• basic tool set

1. Secure the bike. To prevent the BMX bike from falling or moving around set the bike on its handle bars and seat. Remove any plastic covers off of the frame that may be in place on the front brake or rear brake mount.
2. Slide the break levers into place. Remove the grips from the handlebars. Slide the brake levers on the bars, and then use a hex wrench to tighten the brake lever handle bar clamp. Once the brake levers are in place, replace the handle bar grips.
3. Attach the front brake. Slide the mounting bolt for the front brake on the fork through the mounting hole. Tighten the brake on the fork, and then loosen the brake pad bolts. Align the brake pads up with the rim of the front wheel. To hold them in place tighten the brake pad bolts on your BMX bike.
4. Attach the rear brake. On the seat-stay of the bike's frame slide the two rear brake arms carefully onto the rear brake bosses. To secure the brake arms to the frame, tighten the brake boss bolts. Align the brake pads with the rim of the front wheel, once you loosen the brake pad bolts. Next, re-tighten the brake pad bolts to hold them into place.
5. Attach the front brake cable. Take the end of the front brake cable and attach it to the left handle bar brake lever. Slide the shorter end of the front brake housing onto the cable. Carefully, insert the end of the cable into the cable stop of the front brake on your BMX bike.  To prevent the cable from slipping, pull the cable taut and tighten the cable stop. Squeeze the handle bar lever a few times to test the brake.
6. Attach the rear brake cable. Take the end of the rear brake cable and attach it to the right handle bar brake lever. Slide the longer end of the rear housing brake onto the cable. Carefully attach the U-cable bracket onto the end of the cable. Attach the ends of the U-cable to the rear brake arms, and then attach the U-cable to the U-cable bracket. Squeeze the brake lever a few times to test the brake.
7. Test ride the bike. Make sure that the brakes on your BMX bike stop effectively and quickly, with no lag. If the front brakes need to be tighter, loosen the cable stop and then pull the cable a little tighter. Re-tighten the cable stop when finished. If the rear brakes need to be tighter, loosen the U-cable bracket as you slide it closer up to the to the main rear brake cable. Re-tighten the bracket when finished.