I just got a new front brake for an old frame I converted to a fixie and the mounting bolt isn't long enough to reach all the way through.



It's a Tektro brake and the "nut" is a barrel that is supposed to go in through the back of the fork but the hole isn't big enough to slide it inside and the bolt doesn't reach all the way through so I can't put another type of nut on the back. Can someone recommend another inexpensive brake with a longer mounting bolt? Or can I widen the hole with something like a dremel (sp?) without compromising the integrity of the fork?

Just drill out the rear facing hole to allow the nut inside.

Brad

PS Not a bad photo with the shadow.

You bought a front brake designed for recessed mounting, this is the mounting method on most newer frames. As Brad said, use a 5/16" bit to drill out the hole on the back of the fork (not all the way through). This will allow you to use the brake. It wouldn't hurt to use the concave washers that came with the original brake if you have them.

Thanks for the photo compliment Brad, it was completely planned....

I don't have the concave washers but will find something if I need to. I just wasn't sure if I could drill that out without messing up the integrity of the fork.

Steel is great with such mods, Alu is sketchy, and carbon...forget it.

You can drill it out, just make sure only to drill the hole out, no funny business.

Yes, this is a very common way to make newer "recessed nut" brakes fit older forks intended for an external nut. As bradtx noted, just use a 5/16" drill bit to enlarge the hole at the rear of the fork crown.

It is AL but I will go real easy on it and just get through the back side then stop. Glad to know there is a way to fix it. I guess I should have just rehabbed the original brake I took off instead of replacing with new stuff.