Bicycle Mechanics - vintage Shimano 600 brake help

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Bottomfeeder
08-03-08, 12:55 AM
Hey guys and gals;

I started this over on the Classic's forum... but it's pretty basic, so maybe a few more wrenches can weigh in.

I am having trouble with some 80's era Shimano 600 brake calipers staying centered. One member suggested I should have star nuts, or star lock washers, between the caliper and frame/fork. There weren't any there when I disassembled the bike for cleaning, but I can certainly put some in... even though it will eat my most excellent rattle can paint job alive. Hey, as long as it works as nicely as the rest of the bike, which is pretty excellent, I'll be a happy camper.

Thanks. DanO

Jeff Wills
08-03-08, 11:47 AM
Hey guys and gals;

I started this over on the Classic's forum... but it's pretty basic, so maybe a few more wrenches can weigh in.

I am having trouble with some 80's era Shimano 600 brake calipers staying centered. One member suggested I should have star nuts, or star lock washers, between the caliper and frame/fork. There weren't any there when I disassembled the bike for cleaning, but I can certainly put some in... even though it will eat my most excellent rattle can paint job alive. Hey, as long as it works as nicely as the rest of the bike, which is pretty excellent, I'll be a happy camper.

Thanks. DanO

Those brakes (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/shimano1982/pages/25.html)are a little odd in that the adjustment for sideplay can only be accessed after removing the caliper from the bike. This made adjusting the brakes hellacious, and I can't remember getting them to hold center after reinstalling.

IIRC, centering was accomplished by putting a hew (Allen) key in the front of the bolt and a wrench on the back bolt and then turning both wrenches at the same time the same amount. The other way was to take a big punch and whack on the spring until the brake was somewhat centered. (This last method also puts your paint job in peril.)