sticky V-brakes

[xyz55]

I've just fitted new brake blocks but can't seem to get the brakes centered again. One side seems to rub all the time unless I back the adjustment right off. I've put a drop of oil on the moving parts but not the cables yet as I'm not sure if you're supposed to. Is this a cable replacement job?

[MountGower]

G'day David

There are long wires which are clipped under little studs at the top of the caliper. You can unclip them and adjust the tension by bending them in or out and there is a screw which has limited adjustment there, if you look for it you will see it. Whether you adjust the wire spring inwards or out wards depends on how well the calipers are returning. If they are returning well then bend the one on the side with the gap inwards. If they are reluctant to return then bend the spring on the side that is rubbing outwards.

Failing that, you have my phone number from another matter, so you can phone me if it's not clear what I mean.

Good luck with it.

[stryker84]

Good question, and good explanation MG! I occasionally notice this on my Vs as well, will go check out this spring thingy tomorrow when it's light...

[Mulger bill]

Check for bulged or rusty posts causing stickiness too. There's usually more than one hole on the post for the springy thing, that might help wth centring.

Shaun

[europa]

What brand Vs are they?

The Avids on the Black Beast have never given me problems.
The Tektros on the bent are bloody awful for this ... or maybe it's the paint on the frame mount and I haven't work it in yet.

Quite frankly, I'm not impressed with the Tektros at all, and considering the Avids are Avid5's, it's not as though I'm comparing bottom end with top end.

Richard

[rider06]

I agree about the tektros - i have them on my CRX (about the only thing i haven't changed) and they have been a hell of a lot more fiddly than any shimano v-brakes i have ever had, especially the front one. might start looking for either shimano or avid replacements - already have avid levers...

[stryker84]

Mine are Tektro as well.

[Boognoss]

I've been having the same problem with Tekros on mine too. Just adjusting the pads in as they wear down has caused them to play up. Each morning before a ride I adjust them. They're OK until I check them after the ride.

[europa]

Good, I'm not just being hard to get on with seeing the bike came with Tektros, not the Avid's I'd expected

Richard

[heavymetal]

not the Avid's I'd expected

I just love my old fashioned self centering Avid Canti brakes Apparently the parts are still available in the UK. You could always order a set.

Kev.