yashinon

Just had tires changed out on the Trek 7.3, done by the LBS. When I dropped the bike off, the rear brake was slightly rubbing again the wheel. I had the tech double check it and he tightened spokes, although I think the "rubbing" sound is still here but faint. This evening I noticed that the front brake pad is also rubbing against the wheel. The front caliper needs a slight adjustment or to be "centered". Should be an easy fix I would imagine. I moved one side of the caliper and it looked much better, of course I need to make that permanent. The caliper is an Avid Single Digit.

Thanks!

memebag

I just did this on my Giant. First, disconnect the brake cable and make sure the spring is pulling the arm away from the wheel. If it is, there should be a little screw or something that controls how much the spring pulls on the arm. The trick on mine was to make the other side (the one that wasn't dragging) pull less.

brianmcg123

Disregard, I thought these were caliper brakes.

yashinon

brianmcg123 are the Avid Single Digit referred to as calipers? Avid refers to them as "RIM BRAKES", not sure what the difference is.

https://www.sram.com/avid/products/s...it-5-rim-brake

memebag

Those look exactly like mine. That little screw on the side controls the spring pressure.

memebag

Sheldon Brown says they are direct pull cantilever V brakes:

Adjusting Direct-pull Cantilever Bicycle Brakes ("V-Brakes ®")

yashinon

Yes I believe you are right. I printed the PDF instructions from SRAM's site and the small screws control the spring tensioner.

yashinon

Thanks for the info. There is one cable that essentially controls the brake.

yashinon

I adjusted the brakes and the bike rides much smoother. The front still needs a little micro-adjustment. However, I now have to press the lever way down in order to engage the rear brakes. Suggestions are appreciated!

memebag

You can change how far the brake lever has to travel by loosening the bolt that grips the cable on the caliper, moving the cable and tightening the bolt again. If you want to squeeze less then you need to shorten the cable.

yashinon

Thanks memebag! I will try to do that.

Packrat1947

My Trek Verve 2's rear pads were dragging the other week. I pulled the arms off and the pivot pins were completely dry, and had some road grit. The bike is only 9 months old. I cleaned and gave them some TriFlow. Now the spring tension pulls them back smartly. Just a thought. Packrat1947

dr1445

unhook the brake spring arm from its stop and bend it down. the spring gets lazy over time.