Just Installed Shimano Rim Brake Pads
07-07-23, 11:03 AM
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Just Installed Shimano Rim Brake Pads
I just installed new brake pads. All seems well. I read somewhere that there is a left and right pad. I did not notice that. I did not see any indication of that.
07-07-23, 11:18 AM
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Just make sure the open end of the shoe holders faces the REAR for both front and back calipers.
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07-07-23, 11:24 AM
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The small screw that locks the shoe into the holder? That won’t come loose. No need for Loctite.
07-07-23, 11:31 AM
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and some pads are longer on one end... the longer portion points to the rear of a bike. they are designed that way to act like "power brakes" on a car.. the longer leading side pulls the pad inwards, aiding braking force.
Longer on one end plus a curve to follow the rim better equals "right and left pads".
one other equation... locktite plus tiny JIS screws plus a worn philips screwdriver equals future trouble.
i hope you didn't use locktite red. Tell me you didn't use Red Locktite on that poor screw....
Last edited by maddog34; 07-07-23 at 11:40 AM.
07-07-23, 05:34 PM
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07-07-23, 05:41 PM
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I removed the pads and examined them with a strong light and a magnify lens. I was surprised that two of the pads has a small R and the other two had a small L.
07-07-23, 05:48 PM
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And if you install them correctly, the pads marked R will always be on the right, and the pads marked L will always be on the left.
07-08-23, 02:13 PM
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07-08-23, 11:19 PM
#11
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Related question, how does one keep the brake pad from twisting when the screw is tightened? It tends to turn in the direction of the screw twist. I’ve used pliers but ther must be a better idea. Thanks
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07-10-23, 01:04 PM
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I hold the brake pad steady by hand, other times I'll clinch the brake lever. I just tighten lightly. Worst case I have held a pad imposition with a Cresent wrench.
07-15-23, 07:21 PM
#14
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Brake pads
The suggestion to tightly hold down brake lever didn’t work for me. Granted I was working on a cheap big box brand. Had to resort to pliers or similar. I’m learning!
HVAC
HVAC
07-15-23, 07:41 PM
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tip: most V-brakes, and some Canti-brakes, have easily released External Springs....Release the spring to ease Pad alignment/tightening... then re-hook the spring on it's tab.
Last edited by maddog34; 07-15-23 at 07:47 PM.
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07-15-23, 08:28 PM
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07-15-23, 08:31 PM
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07-15-23, 09:40 PM
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They should say "P" and "S" to take out all ambiguity but sadly, most of the world is oblivious to nautical notation. (P for port, S for starboard. Looking forward as you stand on the ship. Port is always the left side of a ship just like our hearts are always on our port side.) Mixups between right and left could cost voyagers their ship and perhaps the lives of everybody on board.
07-15-23, 09:41 PM
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07-16-23, 07:14 AM
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07-16-23, 09:05 AM
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07-16-23, 09:09 AM
#22
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yep.. they do that most of the time... other , fancier types do it less, but still do twist.. i tighten gradually with the brake contacting the rim, then grab the pad, front and rear, and THEN snug up the nut.. strong fingers really help in this process... and the plain washer between the outer cup and the nut is there to limit the twisting effect...... Cheap washers plus Lousy threads equals nasty Twisting of the pads.
tip: most V-brakes, and some Canti-brakes, have easily released External Springs....Release the spring to ease Pad alignment/tightening... then re-hook the spring on it's tab.
tip: most V-brakes, and some Canti-brakes, have easily released External Springs....Release the spring to ease Pad alignment/tightening... then re-hook the spring on it's tab.
I will work on my fingers, hopefully they won’t get bigger than my bike gloves.
Thank you
HVAC
07-16-23, 11:00 AM
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They should say "P" and "S" to take out all ambiguity but sadly, most of the world is oblivious to nautical notation. (P for port, S for starboard. Looking forward as you stand on the ship. Port is always the left side of a ship just like our hearts are always on our port side.) Mixups between right and left could cost voyagers their ship and perhaps the lives of everybody on board.
07-16-23, 06:04 PM
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Because you probably can’t exert enough pressure on the shoe by squeezing the brake lever to keep the shoe from moving. And that sounds like more than just a little awkward.
Holding the shoe in position with one hand while tightening the bolt should be more than sufficient.
Holding the shoe in position with one hand while tightening the bolt should be more than sufficient.