Removing/replacing brake pads from MAFAC shoes
04-13-16, 05:39 PM
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Removing/replacing brake pads from MAFAC shoes
Hi all,
I recently bought some Kool Stop Salmon brake pads for my Mafac Raid center pulls (same pads as the ubiquitous Mafac Racers). So far, these have been a nightmare to replace. With a massive amount of effort, I almost have one done. Only one of the old pads came out easily, and I am slowly able to push the new pad onto the shoe.
Is there a trick to doing this, or is it all just brute force?
These are the new pads:
https://www.compasscycle.com/shop/co...ke-pads-4-dot/
I recently bought some Kool Stop Salmon brake pads for my Mafac Raid center pulls (same pads as the ubiquitous Mafac Racers). So far, these have been a nightmare to replace. With a massive amount of effort, I almost have one done. Only one of the old pads came out easily, and I am slowly able to push the new pad onto the shoe.
Is there a trick to doing this, or is it all just brute force?
These are the new pads:
https://www.compasscycle.com/shop/co...ke-pads-4-dot/
04-13-16, 07:24 PM
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Brute force along with some temp lube like soap or spit. Now how one holds the shoe (I like in a vise by the shaft) and how one presses against the pad (I like a long drift punch which I can strike with a hammer and not hit my hand or the shoe) can help to direct and contain the force. Andy.
04-13-16, 10:00 PM
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It's brute force, but a big ol' pair of Channellock pliers made replacing pads pretty easy for me. Open 'em up wide, strategically place one jaw on the pad and the other on the holder, and squeeze.
04-14-16, 12:28 AM
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Yeah, The Channellock pliers worked great for me! Wonderful tip. They also helped removing by grabbing the pad and "peeling" (not sliding) the old pad out. I was afraid to break the post off of the shoe doing this though, as I broke two (!) today. I had a spare Racer on hand, so I cannibalized some.
