bikemike73 

Trying to adjust these brakes and only one side retracts back after applying the brakes.
I have loosen , tighten, adjusted......

If I hold one side down to the rim the other side will retract after applying the brake. I can do the same to the other side.. Just will not work together

Its the LEFT SIDE FACING you that has the issue

I am at a loss


I am hoping all your expertise will have me on the road in no time.

This site has never failed me yet with all the knowledge and experience you all have.

Appreciate any and allhelp.

Thank you






I adjusted the back brakes fine

SurferRosa

Use a Park Tool obw-4.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Park-Tool-O...AAAOSwFWhfLl6q

Apply it to the block of the brake bolt just ahead of the fork to keep it in place while you tighten the recessed nut behind the fork.

This assumes the brake is adjusted properly to begin. If not, adjust the brake like you adjust a hub.

bikemike73 

Ok
I do not have that tool.....i like it and will order

Thank you

Would a cone wrench work?

Or is there any other way ?

Really appreciate your help


Thank you

SurferRosa

The obw-4 is basically a 4-in-1 cone wrench that gives you mechanical advantage when tightening brake bolt nuts. It's usually not needed unless having a problem keeping calipers like yours centered.

3speedslow

Have you lubed the brake bolt space between the two arms? Cable free sliding?

canopus 

Its called centering the brake. You center it via the pivot bolt and tightening/moving the recessed nut as surferosa said. A cone wrench would work, the OBW-4, anything really that fits the slots on the pivotbolt. The Park OBW-3 also works by working that tool into the loop part of the spring of the brake and using that to hold the brake centered while you tighten the recessed nut of the brake.

bertinjim 

Use a penetrating lubricant dripped or sprayed on the pivot bolt where the two brake arms meet. Get a cone wrench of the right size to fit the flats on the sides of the pivot bolt right in front of the crown. Work the bake caliper several times to spread the lube, then, use the cone wrench to exactly center the caliper pads equidistant from the rim. Hold that position with the cone wrench and tighten down with the recessed bolt on the back of the crown. Test the brakes to see if the pads jump back equidistant when you squeeze the lever. If not, you may need to completely clean the brake arm pivots as the are looking a bit grungy.

bikemike73 

All great replies

THANK YOU!!!!


Will do and order that tool.

I squeezed the brakes with the back nut loose.

Then I tightened. It works pretty good.
I will still still order the park tool.
Again....thanks to ALL !!!!