Subject: Re: linear pull centering problems Posted by: Robert on December 30, 2002 at 04:25:54: In Reply to: linear pull centering problems posted by nate on December 29, 2002 at 23:44:36:

Message: >It seems to me like on every pair of low-end linear pull brakes I work on or ride, I constantly have problems with the centering adjustment screws needing regular, repeat attention. The centering just goes of adjustment on me. I'm fairly certain that the problem isn't being caused by the wheel not being centered in the dropouts correctly, as the problem comes up even when the wheel hasn't been taken out of the frame recently. This happens to me on my road bike with cheap dia-compe brakes (versacontrol 737) and travel agents, as well on my friend's mountain bike with probably the lowest-end v-brakes that shimano makes. >Another problem I constantly have with low-end v-brakes is that even when the centering screws are adjusted perfectly, so that the spaces between the pads and rim are equal on both sides, is that when the lever is pulled, the brake arms won't move the same amount at the same time. Rather, one will move in all the way, followed by the other one. It's very frustrating. >Are these problems that are just frequent and unavoidable with cheap linear pull brakes, or am I doing something wrong? I've cleaned and greased the cantilever studs on both bikes. >Thanks >nate This is not unexpected with cheap brakes. Cheaper brakes have more slop and are made with lower quality metals, so anything and everything will affect their performance. Their performance can vary every time you squeeze the handle even when the bike isn't being ridden. Also the uneven pull can happen will almost all brakes. Even good brakes have one side attached to the cable housing while the other is attached to the cable itself. Pressure and drag from the housing will cause the arms to not move at the same time. The only thing that matters, anyway's, is how hard the rim is being squeezed by the brake pads.