how to fix unsymmetrical brake pads?
 

One of my brake pad is closer to the rim than the other one. How do I fix this.

turn the screw

one of these should work...

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=19
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=20
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=21
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=22

Classic posting that calls for "more info"! What type of brakes?

Yeah, different styles of brakes require totally different solutions.

I have a hunch (simply because it's so common) the OP has those old Shimano canty's that have the plastic cup that holds the return spring. When that cup cracks the pad won't spring back. When that happens the "A" answer is new brakes. The quick, dirty solution is to wrap a piece of wire around the cracked spring retainer cup.

My previous post was a hint that insufficient info = worthless post.:D

look at the first picture



That's what my brakes look like

side pull.

OK, they are single pivot side pull calipers. These are a bit tricky to center and usually require a thin 12 or 13 mm open end wrench to do it properly.

There should be wrench flats behind the brake arms and just in front of the fork or rear brake bridge. Put the wrench on these flats, loosen the mounting nut slightly, pivot the brakes to center the shoes using the wrench and hold them in position while retightening the mounting nut.

ty

Hey Retro Grouch,

I might have this same problem. I have an early-mid 90's specialized hard rock with the stock shimano brakes. When I pulled it out to ride I heard one of the pads dragging. On inspection I saw that a plastic piece covering a spring was busted. I have pretty pictures:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/...f176da24c8.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/...7861577503.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/...d7a5418f38.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/...ccc9daa971.jpg

Does that look like what you were talking about? If so, how feasible is your quick & dirty solution since mine isn't just cracked, but half missing? Or do I need to go directly to new brakes?

Laura

I don't think those plastic covers affect the spring operation

Hmm, well, when I adjust it to get the on pad off the rim, it won't stay off the rim. Once the brake is applied, it doesn't spring back. Any ideas what to try next?

I think it does. At least on the bikes I have worked on, there is a cavity where the spring sits, and one end is inserted in the cheesy plastic housing where it has a stop for the end of the spring. The other end fits in a hole in the canti braze on.

I prefer to use this as an opportunity to move up to one of the better Shimano caliper models. The plastic housing tends to be found on the bottom end/low end stuff. I also have salvaged these housings from various donor MTBs.

Okay, I feel dumb. Now that I'm searching the forums for advice on replacement brakes, I find the 50,000 threads about those stupid grey plastic bits. Oh well.