Mountain Biking - V brake problem

Hi all,

Just bought some new pads and blocks for my v-brake system. Problem is now i've put the new pads in and tried to adjust em so they don't rub on the rim, I CAN'T!!!!

I've tried all the usual, adjusting the barrell on the lever, slackening the cable at the brake but it just ain't happening. I am at the end of cable at the brake and it's still the same. Have I got enough cable?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ta very much.

Dan

Tell us more . What model brakes and pads are you using? a close-up photo might help too.

Hi all,

Just bought some new pads and blocks for my v-brake system. Problem is now i've put the new pads in and tried to adjust em so they don't rub on the rim, I CAN'T!!!!

I've tried all the usual, adjusting the barrell on the lever, slackening the cable at the brake but it just ain't happening. I am at the end of cable at the brake and it's still the same. Have I got enough cable?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ta very much.

Dan

1) You need to go through it one step by one step.
2) Check that you have adjusted the spacers properly and put them in the right way
3) Check you have enough gap starting off either side of the rim
4) Centre them by adjusting the side screws

Go to parktool.com
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=21

Sounds like you may not have put the spacers in properly. If you have not replaced the blocks on the other wheel yet look at how those are set up and copy that. As an aside I prefer to use cartridge pads as that way once you set them up once you never have to move them again. You just replace the pads.
http://www.ravx.com/pages/BB/vbrakecartridge.html. You slide the pads out and then replace them.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4786

Hope this is of help.

They're XT brakes and bought some clarks blocks which are compatable. I live in the UK so not sure if they're available in the US.

Can't put a pic on as no digital camera.

Sounds like you may not have put the spacers in properly. If you have not replaced the blocks on the other wheel yet look at how those are set up and copy that. As an aside I prefer to use cartridge pads as that way once you set them up once you never have to move them again. You just replace the pads.Yeah . What he said :)

They're XT brakes and bought some clarks blocks which are compatable. I live in the UK so not sure if they're available in the US.

Can't put a pic on as no digital camera.

I think the blocks i've bought are just too big and i ain't got enough cable to allow. Put just the rubber in the front ones and adjusted and they work fine. Gotta get some new blocks for the back that are the same size as the stock ones. Any ideas?

Is the adjuster all the way in on the lever end of the cable?

EDIT: nevermind. I payed attention while reading the op this time.

Yes mate.

The pads mount with spacers and cones.
-you get a wide spacer and a narrow one.
Which one is to the inside (pads side)? If wide the ones inside, use the narrow one inside -wide outer.

If the narrow ones inside, you need more cable.
Undue the cable from the caliper and get a little more wire.

Yeh make sure the 2 cones fit into each other and they arn't the wrong way around. You might need to try changing the spacers around like jeff mentioned above. Just make sure the cone is in they spacer the right way. (i think thats what its called)