Originally Posted by
daniell
Since all 3 chainrings are worn, getting a 1 X would enable me to change the shifter. I can then add new levers and install V brakes. Since the inception of this bike, both brakes were never balanced. I just lived with it. As I previously mentioned I tried higher end brakes. The pads would not go down low enough to reach the rims. I have come to believe that the problem is caused by the cable coming from the hanger at an angle.
The left pad has much more shaft exposed than the right pad. That's why everything is wonky.
And those shafts should be much closer to horizontal, which is probably why you think other brake calipers won't go low enough.
This is roughly how your pads should be oriented:
So all your problems seem to be how you've adjusted the pads at an angle and off center.