How to Adjust V-Brakes
You can follow the steps below or watch our video https://youtu.be/FGPTAfgGlZ4
Step 1: Align the brake pads
Firstly, ensure the wheel is properly clamped in place and your quick release or axle nuts are tight. Check the metal brake cable guide has not been damaged. This can happen sometimes when the handlebars spin around.
Align each brake pad so that it contacts the braking surface squarely. Each side should look the same and look centred.
On most V-brakes, there's a spring that extends up the inside of the brake arm. If the brake arms spring back unevenly, one of the arm's pads can drag against your rim, causing rub. Usually you can fix this by adjusting spring tension via a small screw located on the side of one or both brake arms. Centre the brake by loosening or tightening these as required.
Step 2: Adjust the cable tension
Most brake levers will have a barrel adjuster. Wind this all the way in. This is for fine adjustment later.
Loosen the cable pinch bolt on the caliper and adjust the cable to the desired tension. Leave a little room between the pads and the rim.
Tighten the cable pinch bolt.
Squeeze the lever and spin the wheel to check your work.
Adjust the cable tightness as required to get a good feel and no rub. Fine adjustments can be made at the lever using the barrel adjuster.
Confirm the cable pinch bolt is tight.
If the rim of your wheel looks like it wobbles when you spin it and you get an intermittent rubbing from the wheel on the brake pads, then your wheel is likely out of true and will need to be taken to a mechanic for truing.