Tandem Cycling - Disk Brake: Pad to Disk Clearance?

When viewing (from the rear) my Avid BB7/203mm rear disk brake, my outer pad is in contact with the disk. The outer pad is backed out all the way where there is no more adjustment.

The wheel rotates fairly freely.

Is this normal?



The inner pad can adjust in all the way to the disk and then back off many mms.

Thanks,
AA6

Here's a extract of Avid's BB7 installation instructions (http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/BB7%20User%20Manual.pdf).

There should be 'some' room between the rotor and the outer pad on the caliper as depicted in Illustration #5, i.e., 1/3 outboard & 2/3 inboard. So long as the rotor isn't rubbing up against the outboard brake pad or caliper housing you shoud be fine.

Remember, the outboard pad pushes IN against the rotor which, in turn, is pushed further inboard to contact the inner brake pad, so all of the "play" is to the inside of the rotor.

Question: Just curious, which rear hub did you end up with?

Again, thanks for the instructions.


Question: Just curious, which rear hub did you end up with?

At the last minute I upgraded to the White Industries Jockey. They have the larger flanges compared to the Daisy.


I still can't figure out how to get the outer pad away from the disk. Even just enough for a feeler gauge.


I'm just trying to learn more about the bike and prep for the Savannah Century. http://www.savannahcentury.com/

I still can't figure out how to get the outer pad away from the disk. Even just enough for a feeler gauge.
http://www.savannahcentury.com/

In our Santanas, one would need to move the caliper out by loosing the two allen screws. If that does not do it, then one may need to also loosen the two allen mounting screws and move the base farther out.

I still can't figure out how to get the outer pad away from the disk. Even just enough for a feeler gauge.


Sometimes, spacers are required between the mount and the caliper to move the caliper out a little. Two washers of the same thickness will work.

If you have no more room in the CPS system to adjust you caliper outboard (for more clearance between the rotor and outer pad), you may need to have your disc brake tabs faced. Another alternative is to install a thin washer under non-drive side axle nut, which will bump the hub's rotor mounting face away from the caliper.

You don't say how the ergonomics of the current pad spacing are working out for you, but I find that if my outer pad is too close the the rotor, I end up braking with my fingers extended too much to be effective or comfortable.

You might want to re-setup the caliper as per Avid's instructions (video on YouTube):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1kezXQVnLY