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42
Some brakes have a special mechanism which enables you to set the
clearance on either side of the rim using a screwdriver. Brake pads
should finally be adjusted so that the leading edge of the pad makes
first contact with the rim. Some brakes have special curved washers
to allow this, but on less complex models it will be necessary to apply
a little force to the pad and its mounting.
Adjustment - Cantilever Calipers
Minor brake adjustment can be made via the barrel cable adjusters
which are located on each brake lever. To adjust, squeeze the brake
pads against the rim, loosen the lock nut, and turn the adjuster to pull
the brake pads closer to, or spread them away from the rim as required.
Brake pad clearance should be a maximum 2mm from the rim.
When correct, re-tighten the lock nut. If the pads cannot be set close
enough to the rim in this manner, you may have to adjust either the
length of the straddle cable or the length of the brake cable.
If the brakes use a separate brake cable and straddle cable, adjust
the straddle length by first screwing the barrel adjuster 3/4 of the way
in, then loosening the straddle cable fixing bolt, then pulling or push
ing
the cable through the fixing bolt to adjust the length, and finally
re-tightening the fixing bolt.
Check that the straddle bridge is in the middle of the cable to ensure
even brake pad contact. Apply full force to the brake lever to test,
then fine tune using the barrel adjuster.
To adjust the brake cable length, loosen the brake cable fixing bolt on
the cable straddle bridge, adjust the length until the brake shoes are
the correct distance from the rim, then re-tighten and test.
Parallel
Parallel
Fully Adjustable Brake Shoes
Curved
Adjustment
Washer
Curved
Adjustment
Washer
2mm clearance
41
Some brakes have a quick release mechanism to allow easier wheel removal. Whenever you adjust the brakes,
make sure the quick release mechanism is in the closed position.
Never ride unless the quick release is firmly locked in the closed position.
Lubrication
The brake lever and brake caliper pivot points should be oiled with
2-3 drops of light oil at least every three months to ensure smooth
operation and to reduce wear. Cables should be greased along
their entire length, after removing them from their casings, at least
every six months. Always grease new cables before fitting.
Adjustment - Sidepull Calipers
Minor brake adjustment can be made via the cable adjusting bar-
rel, usually located at the upper cable arm. To adjust, squeeze
the brake pads against the rim, loosen the lock nut and turn the
adjuster Brake pad clearance should be a maximum 2mm from
the rim. When correct, re-tighten the lock nut. If the pads cannot
be set close enough to the rim in this manner, you may have to
adjust the cable length. Screw the barrel adjuster 3/4 of the way in,
squeeze the pads against the rim, undo the cable anchor bolt and
pull the cable through with pliers. Re-tighten the cable anchor bolt
and apply full force to the brake lever to test, then fine tune using
the barrel adjuster. If one pad is closer to the rim than the other,
loosen the fixing nut at the back of the brake, apply the brake to
hold it centered, and re-tighten the fixing nut.
Brake Lever
Brake Lever Housing
Cable Adjusting Barrel
Lock nut
Cable Adjusting Barrel
Center Bolt
Brake Shoe
Side-Pull Brakes
Fixing Nut
in Back
Cable
Anchor
Bolt
Ensure the Brake fixing nut is secured tightly.
Failure to do this may cause the Brake assembly
to dislodge from the fork.