setting v brakes

mrushton
mrushton Posts: 5,182
edited January 2008 in Workshop
Why doesn't the rear v-brake return on my bike. they are new with a straight run. The spring is thro' the middle hole on the boss. After applying the brake, the arms don't really spring back, what do I need to do to improve them?
M.Rushton

Comments

  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    Not sure - what happens if you release the cable from the brakes - do they spring open on both sides? Just wondering if there's some sort of problem with the pivots - without the cable they should freely spring open.
    If that works, check the cable is freely running through the outer/guides, and the caliper is also reasonably friction free.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    If only one side doesn't spring back then screw in the small screw on that side until they work equally.

    Check that the long spring is properly located behind the tab on each arm.

    If none of the above then I suspect the cable as JW suggests.

    This Park Tools page and this Shldon Brown page may be useful.

    "Most brake problems are not caused by poor setup, not by poor quality brakes, but result from excessive friction or poor installation of the cables" Sheldon Brown.
  • secretsqirrel
    secretsqirrel Posts: 2,123
    To add to above advise...
    I fitted some new XT brakes some years ago and had the same problem, everything properly located, and cables all correct. I called the shop 'The Whoolly Hat Shop' as I recall. They advised me to unhook the springs from the tabs and bend both springs downwards, then hook them back up under tension. With a great deal of trepidation, as you can imagine, I followed their advise. And it worked a treat, no problems ever since.
    But I must admit it took a big leap of faith.
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Thanks for the advice. i'll look at cables/centering first and apply the pliers as a last resrt.
    M.Rushton
  • secretsqirrel
    secretsqirrel Posts: 2,123
    mrushton wrote:
    Thanks for the advice. i'll look at cables/centering first and apply the pliers as a last resrt.

    I was too scared to use pliers, just my gloved hands. Bent a small amount at first, to see if it had an effect, then just carried on bending until the springback felt right. Also I did both the same time to make sure the pressure was equal.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    and did it work?
  • secretsqirrel
    secretsqirrel Posts: 2,123
    alfablue wrote:
    and did it work?

    Yep! I've had 5 years successful stopping. But still not sure why the brakes weren't pre-sprung anyway. It is not a nice thing to have to do to new gear.

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