How do I adjust or center the front caliper?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
How do I adjust or center the front caliper?
Just had tires changed out on the Trek 7.3, done by the LBS. When I dropped the bike off, the rear brake was slightly rubbing again the wheel. I had the tech double check it and he tightened spokes, although I think the "rubbing" sound is still here but faint. This evening I noticed that the front brake pad is also rubbing against the wheel. The front caliper needs a slight adjustment or to be "centered". Should be an easy fix I would imagine. I moved one side of the caliper and it looked much better, of course I need to make that permanent. The caliper is an Avid Single Digit.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
I just did this on my Giant. First, disconnect the brake cable and make sure the spring is pulling the arm away from the wheel. If it is, there should be a little screw or something that controls how much the spring pulls on the arm. The trick on mine was to make the other side (the one that wasn't dragging) pull less.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
brianmcg123 are the Avid Single Digit referred to as calipers? Avid refers to them as "RIM BRAKES", not sure what the difference is.
https://www.sram.com/avid/products/s...it-5-rim-brake
https://www.sram.com/avid/products/s...it-5-rim-brake
#5
Senior Member
brianmcg123 are the Avid Single Digit referred to as calipers? Avid refers to them as "RIM BRAKES", not sure what the difference is.
https://www.sram.com/avid/products/s...it-5-rim-brake
https://www.sram.com/avid/products/s...it-5-rim-brake
#6
Senior Member
Sheldon Brown says they are direct pull cantilever V brakes:
Adjusting Direct-pull Cantilever Bicycle Brakes ("V-Brakes ®")
Adjusting Direct-pull Cantilever Bicycle Brakes ("V-Brakes ®")
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Sheldon Brown says they are direct pull cantilever V brakes:
Adjusting Direct-pull Cantilever Bicycle Brakes ("V-Brakes ®")
Adjusting Direct-pull Cantilever Bicycle Brakes ("V-Brakes ®")
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I adjusted the brakes and the bike rides much smoother. The front still needs a little micro-adjustment. However, I now have to press the lever way down in order to engage the rear brakes. Suggestions are appreciated!
#10
Senior Member
You can change how far the brake lever has to travel by loosening the bolt that grips the cable on the caliper, moving the cable and tightening the bolt again. If you want to squeeze less then you need to shorten the cable.
#12
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My Trek Verve 2's rear pads were dragging the other week. I pulled the arms off and the pivot pins were completely dry, and had some road grit. The bike is only 9 months old. I cleaned and gave them some TriFlow. Now the spring tension pulls them back smartly. Just a thought. Packrat1947
#13
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unhook the brake spring arm from its stop and bend it down. the spring gets lazy over time.