Cable operated disc brakes

kinelljohn

Is there some mechanism inside the caliper to move the slave, or inboard brake pad, against the disc?
The reason I ask is this:-
With the bike upside down and observing the brake operation - when the brake is applied the cable pulls a lever which operates the mechanism to push the pad against the disc. The other pad doesn't move. Continued pressure on the lever puts more pressure on the disc which flexes over slightly until the disc is then in contact with the other pad. Is this normal or has something siezed?
Tektro brakes - neglected bike of friends son!
Thanks.

.blitz

The cable Tektros on my Chucker appear to work in exactly the same way :?

kinelljohn

OK - thanks for that .blitz.
I was unable to find any info on the net regarding dismantling/servicing the calipers and didn't want to pull it apart for no reason.
Cheers.

.blitz

If it's any help they've been like that from new.

Performance-wise they are OK - modulation and power are fine and the pull doesn't seem too bad at first, but compared to hydraulics they are hard work on longer rides. Very reliable though and I like the way you can just undo a bolt and pull a bit more cable through as the pads wear out

BorisSpencer

The old Tektro IOs on the Mongoose work the same way, there is an Hex headed adjuster on the inboard side, accessed through the spokes, that moves the static pad nearer the disc. Once you have used up this adjustment then slide the whole calliper over in its mounts and start again.

.blitz

Ah yes I forgot about the static adjuster

warpcow

AFAIK there are no mechanical disc calipers where both pads move. My Avid BB7s also work in exactly the way described above.

The Rookie

Agreed, I have seen no mech callipers that move the inner pad at all, in fact the Grimeca's on the daughters Scot didn't even have an adjuster for the static pad at all, you had to reset the calliper as the inner wore.

Simon

kinelljohn

Thanks. Just been wondering why the static pad was so far away from the disc (rear brake not working at all !) and discovered the hex adjuster.
Much obliged for your guidance.
Off piste - 3 or 4 weeks ago we were on the same ride and I witnessed same lad (14) pile into the back of his mate. I put it down to youthful exuberance and lack of judgement but now I realise his brakes were marginally less that useless

unixnerd

I had those same brakes on my Saracen. Great when set up right, lethal otherwise. If you don't keep slightly adjusting them the pads develop a bevel from the disc being pulled out of true.

AFAIK there are no mechanical disc calipers where both pads move.

Are you sure? I'm certain I read about some more modern ones where both sides moved. Like these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=17722

The Rookie

Yes I am sure that it was AFAIK!

I think I'll save all that extra weight and run ones with an adjuster!

Simon