Originally Posted by
fietsbob
Did the brakes still have* the <C> double faced star washers with them? If this was not included ,
do seek out the near best thing, a Spring steel outside star washer
to slip over the brake bolt before you install the brake..
the teeth bite into the back of the brake and front of the fork crown,
with those* parts I have not had a recentering problem.
also NB the flats for a Cone wrench to hold the center , as you tighten the nut,
as mentioned above..
Yes, the NR brakes were the best centering brakes made at the time, but they partially rely on the star washers (I've never found any holding difference between the differing styles). The norm is one on the rear and two on the front; the two on the front give you better access to the centering flats on the caliper. Assuming you are using a cone wrench or similar, there is no need to loosen the brake, using the centering flats works easily when the brake is tight. BTW, this is different then trying to center the caliper by twisting it, which does not work..
Also I have never seen a spring that has been worn out by use; the only springs I have replaced are those that have rusted away or broke..usually those that are enclosed such as a lower pivot spring in a derailleur.