26
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CALiPER
bRAkEs
These brakes are fitted to most sports
and utility bikes. Some are made of
steel, some of alloy as shown here.
But they all work in exactly the same
way, apart from the dual pivot calipers
fitted to some sports bikes. For
additional instructions on dual pivots,
see page 39.
When the brake pads start to wear,
you can bring the brakes back to top
performance by tightening the cable
adjuster one or two turns. The only
other regular maintenance needed
is to oil the caliper every month with
Bike Lube where indicated by the
arrow on picture 2.
Otherwise check pad alignment
and wear, as described on Page 21
whenever you do a 21-point Safety
Check. However, it’s not always easy
to centre the pads exactly, so have a
couple of goes. If you have trouble
getting these adjustments right,
consult your retailer.
To fit new brake pads to calipers, check
with your retailer for the correct type
and size. Then remove the old pads by
undoing the fixing bolt and turning
the brake pads on their side. Try not to
disturb the centring of the caliper.
Fit the new pads, tighten the fixing bolt
lightly and set the toe-in and alignment
as on page 22. Then fully tighten the pad
fixing bolt. If the pads keep moving as
you tighten the bolt, hold them in the
jaws of an adjustable spanner.
On sports bikes, the calipers are fitted
to the frame with a recessed hexagon
nut. Clean any dirt out of the socket
with a piece of cloth before you try
to undo the nut. Most are fitted using
a simple nut and washer, which you
mustn’t leave out.
There must be an equal distance
between the brake pad and rim on each
side. So loosen the fixing bolt, hold
the caliper in a position where the pad
to rim gap is equal and re-tighten the
bolt. The arrow indicates the lubrication
point.
1
2
3
4
There are various brake
blocks available.
