Dany6

Hey guys i need your help how do i adjust this caliper,so the problem is one side has more space between the brake pad and the rim itself and other less and it troubles me bcz i'm constantly thinking that's gonna get closer and closer and start touching the rim when i'm on actual ride,and it does kinda gets on my nerves seeing it's not symmetrical/centered right lol.
So if i want to adjust it to be centered and has even spacing between brake pads and rim on both sides,do i have to adjust just this screw on the back on pic 2 (on the inner side) by unscewing/loosening it and then centering it as much as possible by hand,holding it in the position and then screwing it back?Or somehow different?
I did it that way but after i squeeze the brake lever it doesn't fix anything,it again goes where one one side is further and other closer to rim,and one side hits the rim earlier than the other....And even if i do manage to get it centered (which i sometimes do after 4-5-6 tries),after the next wash where i remove the wheels and put them back on,even if it was all right and centered before,now that i put the wheels back on it's again messed up and i have to adjust it every single time i wash my bike....
And one more,when i manage to center it with even spaced,i always have to pull one side further from rim when i adjust it,but if i adjsut the caliper so the both brake pads are evenly center and then tighten the screw back,it just resets to the previous where one side is again closer/further from the rim.
So am i doing something wrong or what?
Any help,tips would really be appreciated,thanks .
CLICKFORPICS

KCT1986

Yes, those older calipers are tough to keep centered. One thing to check is if all the washers/spacers are serrated/toothed. The serrations helps to prevent turning of the mounting axle, at the cost of marring the paint on the frame.

With flat alloy spacers, I've used these between the spacers when serrated ones weren't available.



Some calipers have wrench flats on the bracket that holds the spring to help in alignment. Not sure if the Modolo have these. When adjusting and tightening focus on the spring mount point to judge that the axle is being moved and not just the arms.

When installing the wheel, minor alignment difference can occur when tightening the quick release or nut. With QR hubs, I squeeze the brake when closing the QR to try to get some consistency with rim alignment. Re-center the brake as needed, and re-do the QR to check again.

alcjphil

Those ones do. I have a bike with those same callipers. All you need to center the brake is a 14 mm cone wrench

zandoval 

Just remember... Don't put a few drops of Super Glue on them like a guy did down the street... Ha

SurferRosa

My Modolo Speedy calipers are kind of difficult to center as well. But once they're right, they stay in place really well.

On yours, I would remove them and clean them up really well. If you don't have the time to take them completely apart and overhaul, I would use some WD-40 on the metal pieces. When mounting them, use two allen wrenches. For example, use one to tighten the bolt behind the brake bridge and one on the front of the caliper to keep the caliper straight. If that doesn't work, close the pads all the way to the rim with one hand while you tighten the bolt with the other.

KLiNCK

Park Tool (of course) makes a wrench just for that job!

roadbike203

Do they often bend over time? I have a couple bikes with bent ones or maybe I'll just replace all the worn washers. The front of the brake pad touches wheel when the back of it doesn't

cxwrench

People bend them like that on purpose to 'toe' the pads in.

roadbike203

What's the advantage of toeing them in?

canopus 

Reduces squeaks and chatter. But it relies on the pivot being adjusted correctly and good lube and spring action.

roadbike203

Thanks, then I've got some work to do.