mdominguez11

Hello everyone! I am very new to the vintage bike world but I recently picked up a 1977 women’s Schwinn bike that was completely restored. I went out on a ride today and the front breaks are squealing pretty badly. After some investigating it looks the right break pad is in the reverse toe in position!! The break pads are Weinmann brev SR 75 Any advice on how I should correct this? Or any advice in general for a vintage Schwinn suburban. I’m excited for this find, and have now have a soft spot for suburbans

branko_76 

Those may be the original pads. Are your rims chromed steel or aluminum?

Jeff Wills

Suburbans had chromed steel rims.

Schwinn brakes could squeal when new. (I was a Schwinn mechanic in the early '80's.) When that happened we'd twist the brake caliper so the front edge of the brake pad hit the rim first, aka "toe-in". This takes an adjustable wrench and gentle pressure on the brake caliper to adjust the angle of the brake caliper arm. It's harder to describe than to do it

branko_76 

It's been quite a while since I rode on steel rims. Besides the toe-in trick, what pads are recomended for them? Kool-Stop?

mdominguez11

the pads look brand new, I will try that. Also, the rear brakes take a lot of force on lever to work and also are squealing

branko_76 

If the squealing doesn't go away after you adjust them, look into "Kool Stop" brake pads, they may work better.

mdominguez11

thanks for the advice! do you know a good source to buy these from?

alcjphil

Was the rear brake cable replaced during the restoration? Cable friction can easily turn good brakes into poor ones

branko_76 

your local bike shop may have them, but before you call, go to koolstop.com to find the correct replacement model number

Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977

mdominguez11

I honestly am not too sure... the cable looks new. Might have to take it to a shop since I’m not too familiar with cables

mdominguez11

[QUOTE=branko_76;21433364]your local bike shop may have them, but before you call, go to koolstop.com to find the correct

thanks for the link, will adjust them tomorrow and see what happens....

Hudson308 

I used Kool Stop Continentals when I refurbed a similar Collegiate for a friend. They work great on steel rims.

mdominguez11

cool, these are inexpensive thank you. Do you have any advice on the right break lever? It takes a lot of pressure for the rear brakes to work, seems like they need some adjustment. New brake pads on the rear as well.

branko_76 

I don't think the levers are the problem. When you order the brake pads, order some high quality stainless steel brake cables as well for the front and rear.

New pads, cables and proper adjustment will go a long way.

Jeff Wills

I agree. As long as you're not going for 100% "correct" restoration, Kool-Stop Continentals would be my choice.