Originally Posted by zappyisfun
the problem is when i tighten the screw on the left break pad the pad *edges away* from the wheel and is then at a angle and the front of the pad is not touching only the back. the right break pad dont do that it just stays in the middle straight and both edges touch.
how is a rubberband gonna make it not edge away? sorry if im being mean or anything but im really confused by this and i have no idea about bikes. i will try sanding it down
The rubberband (or whatever) acts as a spacer. The conical washers allow the pad to be pivoted and hold that position as you tighten. HOWEVER - it's interesting you mention the left side only. I'm guessing you have Tecktro (sp?) calipers? I say this because every other bike I build with these brakes has the same problem on the left side only. COntacted my rep, and got a whole box of new brakes - still didn't work. Our solution? As inellegant as it sounds, we actually bend the left caliper to make the brakes work correctly. Sheesh!