Hello,

I've finally got round to putting a brake cable on my side pull calipers. This is the method i'm using to centre the brakes:

1). Loosen the centering nut on the back of the brake bolt.
2). Pull down hard on the brake lever
3). Tighten the centering nut
4). Screw in the barrel adjuster

When I look at it, the caliper looks centred.

However, after pumping the brake lever a few times, things go out of alignment. One of the calipers moves really close to the rim, and the other caliper moves far away from the rim.

I think i'm getting this problem since I have a light bracket attached to my front caliper bolt. I had to back it off from the frame using regular washers. I think this is where the brake bolt is slipping.

I googled a few things and someone came up with star washers. My impression is that they lock the brake bolt in place without overtightening.

I have a few questions:

1). Do they work?
2). What size do I need? They come in 5,6,10 and 20mm.
3). Can you put two on top of each other?

I only ask question 3 because I have 3 washers holding the light bracket away from the half moon washer on the frame. You can see that in this picture (excuse the grease):



Thanks in advance.