Brake Pad Rubbing
 

I am a newbie and have very little bike mechanics knowledge. When i have my bike in the bike hanger and i run the pedals, the rear rim hits the pad (side pull brakes) oncer per revolution.

It occured to me that the rim could be out of true but I really can't see that it is by looking at it spin. It really has to be out of true for it to rub only in one spot. However when looking at the brakes, the one that is rubbing is way closer to the rim than the other. I know the rubbing would go away if I could just adjust it away from the rim a little.

How do i do this? I am going to consult the Barnett's manual but just wondered if someone could give me a fast and easy answer? Thanks.

My brakes are: BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers on Trek 4300

Guess I will reply to myself. :D
It looks like I should use centering screws to move arms and center pads to rim.

You first need to true your wheel, by loosening the spokes on the in the area that is rubbing 1/4 turn on that side, and tightening on the other side. Then check and repeat until the wheel is true. When the wheel is true centre the brakes.

Yes, your wheel needs the help. However, be very carefull when adjusting the spokes, it can be tricky your first time. I would have someone show you how to do it.

ehenz

I'll take it to LBS for truing. Maybe they will help show me. So is the centering method shown in my attachment the way to do it? Even if the wheel is out of true it is very slight. When my brakes are open (not applied) the right pad is way closer to the rim than the left pad.

Until I get the wheel trued should I make this adjustment to get the pads even or just wait till the wheel is trued? The issue is time, as it will probably take me a few days to get it in the LBS.

It really doesn't seem to effect the ride much. I just rode this morning. I was going to just adjust that screw a little to get the pad off the rim until the rim is true and I can do it right.

It shouldn't hurt anything to center the brakes, to stop rubbing, until you can take it into the shop to get it trued. Make sure the wheel is fully in the dropouts as well.

Ooh, I'm gonna save that .jpeg!!

Dang. That was easy. :beer: I got mechanical skills, just not a lot of bike knowledge. I expect it will just take some time and a lot of learning. Anyway, thanks for the help. The rub is gone.