bluehair

I am replacing the rear brake on a vintage bike, a 1986 ROSS. I removed the Shimano 600 brake that was on the bike, and I am trying to install a Shimano Sante. The pads will not reach the wheel rim (700c)when adjusted to the lowest setting!!! I looked at the Shimano 600 rear brake that I removed, and the arms appear to be the same length, actually there is little difference between them. The bolt, however, looks to have been bent just a little. I'm completely surprised and frustrated that I may not be able to use the Sante brake. Did I lose a part or something? The front brake exchange has presented no problem.

Sheldon Brown

See: https://sheldonbrown.com/reach

In the rear, there's sometimes some fudge room in the mountinghole. Loosen up the nut that holds the caliper to the frame, push the arms down/forward and re-tighten the centerbolt's nut. This may fix it.

If it's close, a bit of work with a round file may help, either to the brake bridge or to the brake shoe slots or both...but don't get carried away with this.

Sheldon "Who Needs A Rear Brake Anyway> ;-)" Brown

bluehair

Sheldon (who needs a rear brake anyway), thank you for the advice and courage. I did a little filing as well as bent the mounting bolt. I got the brake pads lowered just the amount I needed. This bike initially came with either Shimano 600 or Campy Triomphe (? spelling); I'm surprised at the distance I needed to reach the rim. Thanks again.

Pat (Dremel tool - Bench vice) Bluehair