should caliper brakes move

ddraver

Hey guys

as above really, the calper brakes on my roadie can rotate around the attatchment bolt, even though i ve got em tightened up really quite tight

Is this normal or should they be fixed?!

many Thanks

Dave

Dorian Gray

Normal. If they didn't do that then the brakes would exert a severe lateral load on the rim if either the brakes or the rim were slightly de-centred, at worst braking the wheel and at best causing uneven pad and rim wear.

If you mean there is play in the back-and-forth orientation, then you've got a problem.

richardjallen

My brakes did that to start with and I had to tighten them the the absolute upper limit to prevent it. I found when they were too loose they would become de-centred and start to brush the rim constantly, making a fearful scrapping sound. Now they are tightened they stay centred and I can narrow the gap between the pad and the rim without any problem.

Sub3_99

The caliper arms need to able to rotate about the pivot points. If you have single pivot type calipers than yes, they can rotate about the centre bolt because that is the pivot point, but they shouldn't be loose and it should take some effort to move them. Dual pivot brakes operate somewhat differently, and it is not normal for these (entire unit) to rotate about the centre bolt.

ddraver

whats the difference between the 2...i can never work it out