Adjust Hydraulic Brake Pad Clearance

[TonyM64]

I have Shimano hydraulic disc brakes on my mountain bike. I accidentally squeezed the brake lever when the rear wheel was off. I’m sure that drove the piston and moved the pads closer together. I was able to get the wheel back on, but there is a very slight drag and no modulation at the lever. Is there a way to adjust the brake pad clearance without bleeding the brakes? Thanks.

 

[jmdirt]

Yes.
1) Separator tools: (The SRAM plastic spatula works with Shimano).

2) You can also use a large screwdriver heavily wrapped with tape to avoid marring the pads or use old pads, not the set you want to use.

 

[onislta]

The barrel adjuster is usually located on the brake lever. Turn it clockwise to increase pad clearance or counterclockwise to decrease ftp access mac it.

 

[jmdirt]

The barrel adjuster is usually located on the brake lever. Turn it clockwise to increase pad clearance or counterclockwise to decrease ftp access mac it.

barrel adjuster on hydraulic brakes?!