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Washers to install brake caliper

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Old 01-28-23, 08:24 PM
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Washers to install brake caliper

Hello,

I am installing a larger front brake on my bike as part of a project to build a wheel. I have the wheel almost done, and I test fitted the brake parts today. The idea is to go from 160mm front rotor to a 203mm front rotor (on an aluminum daily-use commuter).

Photo of test fit:



I bought an adapter to move the caliper so that it fits the larger rotor. Its description was vague, but it seems to fit. It comes with 4 little washers, and not for right under the bolt head (those flat washers are already on the bolts).

Are these like shims? Do they go under the adapter/caliper to fix fitment problems? What did I miss? Maybe it will be obvious when I fit it together for real, but I don't see the purpose as of yet.

Thanks for any thoughts.
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Old 01-28-23, 09:08 PM
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I gather that neither the instructions packed with the adapter (or not) didn't cover this, nor was there anything on the maker's site.

So, granting that you got more washers than need for the bolts, you're probably safe to assume that they're provided as shims to float the brake to best position vis a vis the rotor.
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Old 01-28-23, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
I gather that neither the instructions packed with the adapter (or not) didn't cover this, nor was there anything on the maker's site.

So, granting that you got more washers than need for the bolts, you're probably safe to assume that they're provided as shims to float the brake to best position vis a vis the rotor.
No, there were no instructions.
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Old 01-29-23, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by OldBike876
Hello,

I am installing a larger front brake on my bike as part of a project to build a wheel. I have the wheel almost done, and I test fitted the brake parts today. The idea is to go from 160mm front rotor to a 203mm front rotor (on an aluminum daily-use commuter).

Photo of test fit:



I bought an adapter to move the caliper so that it fits the larger rotor. Its description was vague, but it seems to fit. It comes with 4 little washers, and not for right under the bolt head (those flat washers are already on the bolts).

Are these like shims? Do they go under the adapter/caliper to fix fitment problems? What did I miss? Maybe it will be obvious when I fit it together for real, but I don't see the purpose as of yet.

Thanks for any thoughts.
The extra washers are included to make any final adjustments to allow for Manufacturing "slop" and odd size differences... like a 205mm disc instead of a 203mm disc, really bad Quality Control, a lazy worker that doesn't check tolerances, mismatching parts from two different engineering departments, etc... you may find use for them.. take a test ride then note the scuff pattern on the disc... is it all the way to the outer edge of the disc? adjust as needed.
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