Bicycle Mechanics - How can i assemble and dissemble u-brakes

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Super Die
11-29-06, 07:59 PM
ok so i got a haro f3 from a friend. It was in horrible condition, i am no expert but i was able to remove rust, change worn tyres to new ones and dissemble the brakes. well the problem is that i dissembled the rear brake (sort of) and put it back together and now the pads are really close to the rim. any now how to dissemble then reassemble u-brakes. thanks in adance:)


Super Die

Retro Grouch
11-29-06, 08:42 PM
If I remember correctly it takes a 5mm allen wrench and a 14mm open end wrench. You set and hold the return spring preload with the end wrench and lock it in with the allen wrench.
Super Die
11-30-06, 06:51 PM
i think thats what i didnt do because i took the brake apart and put it back together after cleaning it and then when i reassembled it it was so close to the rim, that means i have to set the spring?

Grand Bois
11-30-06, 07:04 PM
These are set the way Retro Grouch described except it takes a 13mm open end wrench. You have to play around with both sides to get the right amount of tension and to get them equalized. These brakes are very old school. Newer brakes may have an adjusting screw at the base of the arm.
http://thumb9.webshots.net/t/44/44/0/64/14/315606414YivCkm_th.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1315606414068014369YivCkm)