Sometimes it takes some practice to get familiar with bicycle brake adjustment. These should be easy. Don't be afraid just dive in and git-er-done. I might add that fresh brake pads are very important. Even if they do not look worn they can become useless. My method is to loosen the barrel adjuster and cable. I then take a heavy vice grip and lock it onto the end of the cable letting it hand down freely and tension the cable. Next I squeeze the caliper against the rim and then tighten down the cable. Now I just loosen the brakes from the rim via barrel adjuster. So you will then have to center the caliper and then adjust the brakes again.


I like using Mountain Bike Pads on all my bikes: Amazon 2 Pairs Bike Brakes Pads Set, 70mm for Cruiser MTB Mountain Bicycle Universal V-Brake Blocks with Hex Nut and Shims, No Noise No Skid 7 USD.