Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
Those particular brakes were the subject of a recall around 25 years (1/4 century) ago. There is a gray plastic sleeve that contains the return spring. Those sleeves would commonly (virtually every single one) crack and cause that brake pad to drag.
If it was my bike, I'd throw those damm things away and replace them with an inexpensive Shamano brand V-brakeset. To do it right, you'll also need to replace the brake levers. Once you do that and see how easy it is, you'll never look back.
Also, it's easy to tell a bike mechanic who is also a liar. If (he/she) says adjusting those particular brakes is easy to do, (he/she) is a liar.
Srly?
Liar isn't a word one should throw around lightly. Especially when one also suggests replacing brake levers to "do it right".
If a mechanic told me I had to replace the brake levers when replacing canti arms I would more likely suspect motivations that fit that word. If they said they could adjust canti's I would just think they were competent. If they said they would struggle to adjust them I would doubt their skills.
It's not rocket surgery.