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.
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.
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Cable Adjusting Barrel |
Lock nut |
Brake Lever |
Brake Lever Housing |
Cable Adjusting Barrel
Center Bolt
Brake Shoe | Cable |
| |
| Anchor |
| Bolt |
| Fixing Nut |
| in Back |
Lubrication
The brake lever and brake caliper pivot points should be oiled with
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,
Ensure the Brake fixing nut is secured tightly. Failure to do this may cause the Brake assembly to dislodge from the fork.
2mm clearance
Fully Adjustable Brake Shoes |
Curved |
Adjustment |
Washer |
Parallel |
Curved |
Adjustment |
Washer |
Parallel |
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,
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 pushing the cable through the fixing bolt to adjust the length, and finally
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
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