d8168055

I bought a Tektro R720 front caliper and when I engage the brakes, the right pad does not hit the rim evenly unless I squeeze all the way. Only the front tip of the pad will hold under normal braking conditions. I cannot adjust the yaw of the calipers... and this seems unusual to me as the rear brakes engage evenly.

Is this a factory defect? should I exchange it out? any better options for front brakes?

Thanks.

Squirrelli

Sand or file down your brake pad so they are even. It's just normal wears, don't have to switch to new pads if it has plenty of live left.

squeegeesunny 

Do they stop your bike fine? If so, why replace em?

DisplayERROR

I have the exact front brake as you and had similar problems initially. What I found to be the issue is that the pads are on the wrong way. You can actually adjust the yaw but it requires you to unscrew the pads and adjust to a position that you like then screw it down from there to maintain the angle. I'll post some pictures soon to give you a visual.

d8168055

true, it does stop my bike.. but.. when i see the shoe bending the arms.. it just doesnt look like it would be good for the arms in the long run... and since i just bought it..

ncohen

have you tried truing your rims?

Deshi

You can adjust the angle of the pads with the concave and convex washers. If the pads you are using do not have the concave and convex washer system, it is ok to actually bend the arm of the caliper so that the pad has full engagement to the rim.

You could also leave it alone and consider the pads to have toe in.

tFUnK

sounds like toe in to me, which is preferable to completely flat. got pics? it could also mean either the caliper arms are bent, the bolt that attaches the brake calipers to the fork is bent, or the hole on the fork is drilled out of alignment.

oldfixguy

Convex washers are a good idea. Also, buy and use this



https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...uner+Tool.aspx

It works

Scrodzilla

Loosen your pads. Squeeze your brake and align the pads on the rim. Tighten pads back up while continuing to squeeze. They should be straight after that.

mickey_

The fronts of the pads can (and many wrenches say should) be set to hit first to reduce brake squeal. You can set them so they hit evenly quite easily, just follow Scrod's advice.

d8168055

Here are some pics. hard to shoot this but w. the calipers in the way. Notice how the toe-in is really bad... I tried to do what Scord suggested.. but.. still the same..





EDIT: fixed images

Scrodzilla

Is it making your bike unrideable? Ride your bike.

adriano 

i have 720s set just like that. i like it.

Deshi

Rotate the washers before you try to tighten them back down. Sometimes they develop "memory" if you will and like to reset in the same position. Toe in is recommended by some. I say only toe in if the brake squeals.

The Messenger

Take the pad out, insert a big flat head screw driver to the slot, and bend the caliper straight. Reinstall the pad.

TejanoTrackie 

d8168055

but this will result in uneven pad wear... and you would need to replace more often because of it..

Scrodzilla

^ Now THERE'S a legitimate worry.

amillhench

+1 to toe in being how they should be set up. They look fine.