frogman

I have new Kool Stop salmon pads to go in my 1984 Trek 770 brake pad holders. The pads in the holders now are the original black pads. How do I remove the old pads without damaging the vintage holders ? Thought the C&V forum would be a good place to ask.

dddd

If the old pads won't slide out, the holders were not meant to be re-used.

Did you get any assurance that the pads you bought were made for your particular holders?

Obviously it isn't recommended to bend one of the end tabs 90 degrees open and then closed again, it can't be counted on to be structural at that point. But you could drive a retention screw into the holder if the pad happens to match the inside shape of the holder exactly. You're on your own at that point as far as the assembly being reliable or not.

SJX426 

@frogman Can you supply pictures of the holders? Or at least describe their shape? Which brake caliper is on the bike?

markk900

I have successfully pried out old pads from the holders with all 4 sides enclosed, and reinserted new pads - its not easy in either direction but quite do-able. However I agree pictures of the existing pads/holders and the new pads would be a great idea.

Prowler 

Keep in mind, for a few years brake pad holders had only three sides with the pad slid into the slot. The mechanic had to pay attention and install the assembly so that the braking action forced the pad into the holder vs the other way. No drinking beer prior to working on bike. Then the lawyers took over and mandated that pad holders have four sides so that they could not be installed backwards.*

Ergo, you could bend one end down and break off that end tab. Slide the old pad out then install the new pad (wetted with rubbing alcohol to ease entry) and pay attention to how you put it back on the bike. It can be done.

Oh, then never ride the bike fast, downhill, backwards and hammer the brakes.

* of course we now have brake pads (ex: Jagwire) that have a tiny, hard to read "L" and "R" on them to ensure that you install them in the correct orientation. No drinking beer prior to working on bike.

Drillium Dude 

A photo would save a lot of speculation...just sayin'

DD

brianinc-ville

I've done this operation many times with excellent results. A bench vise and a short screwdriver will help to slide the old pad out (and the new one in, if necessary).

SurferRosa

Sometimes you need a good two pages of total speculation before one photo narrows everything down to a simple answer. I mean, how are we to rant at length, off topic, if there are photos?

davester

I've done this many times with no difficulty at all. Assuming that you have 4-sided holders, there is no need to break off or bend the end-tab. Just use a skinny screwdriver to pry the old ones out. Then use either a bench vise or a woodworking clamp (and some fiddling around) to squeeze the new ones in. Easy peasy. Sometimes a bit of dishwashing soap on the pad makes it even easier.

Salamandrine 

A 1984 Trek 770 should have Campy Super Record brakes. (OP, it would have been prudent to mention that.)

This is how most pro mechanics would do it: Remove the brake pad assemblies from the calipers. Squeeze the rubber pads in a bench vise, just below the metal holder. Tap the metal holders off the rubber pads with a hammer and dull punch or big cheap screwdriver. Pay attention to which end is open. When they are out, squeeze the new pads in with the vise. Reinstall the pad assemblies and readjust the brake alignment etc.

I'd recommend either genuine Campagnolo replacement pads (still sold) or Koolstop blacks. Salmons tend to squeal on campy record calipers. Not worth it unless you ride in the rain a lot. Since you have them, it might be worth a try. Sanding your rim surfaces lightly and sanding a toe in type bevel into the pads will usually stop the squeal if it happens.

Bad Lag

Use a hacksaw blade to cut a groove down the middle of the pad. Then squeeze pad and remove from holder.
Adding some lube would not hurt but you have to remove the residue after removal.

Brad L 

Same here. It's not rocket surgery. I grip the pad in the vise, then pry the holder off. After everything is cleaned up, I position the pad as best I can in the holder, then use the vise to ease it in.

Nubra 

WOW, is this really a thing? Why would you use the original holders? Just wondering. Is the metal quality that different? I guess that is a silly question, of COURSE it is. But had no idea the restoration freaks got this much into the detail, no disrespect intended.

frogman

Thanks everyone for the help. Here is a picture. The brakes are on a 1984 Trek 770. They are Campy Super Record.

https://i.postimg.cc/yNDzdBfx/IMG-4030.jpg

gugie 

pic assist



See @Salamandrine for method

frogman

No disrespect taken. The reason is because it is a vintage 1984 Trek 770 in great shape. Has Campy Super Record gear. It is in pristine condition and I want to keep everything original. The original holders are in perfect shape, I just want to change the brake pads.

SurferRosa

Nothing really looks appropriate with those Campy calipers other than the original shoes. So, refurb/file the pads or replace 'em with these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NEW-KOOLSTOP-Brake-Shoe-Pads-f-Vintage-Campagnolo-Nuovo-Super-Record-etc-BLACK/382461675245?hash=item590c7e06ed:g84AAOSwY31a0s-x

jamesdak 

Yep, look just like the ones I recently did. Didn't even need anything special to remove them. First one pushed out by hand. The 3 others were tighter but I just shot some PB blaster along the edges and at the two holes in the bag. THen they pushed right out. Cleaned the holders good, and polished them to a mirror like shine. Then pushed in the new Kool Stops with a little dawn to lubricate. Easy peasy!

frogman

I owe you now SurferRosa, thanks ! Perfect ! I just placed an order.

frogman

thanks Gugie !

3alarmer 

...not everyone is so inclined. I never look at the brake shoes on my bicycle, and am happy with whatever works well.

gugie 

It’s a Campy thing, no way you put those shoes on Campagnolo nrakes. The bike gods would smite thee.

The Golden Boy 

It's gotsta look good- I'm not such a fan of the look of Continentals- I'm sure they work great- but there's an aesthetic they don't meet.

3alarmer 

...fortunately, very few here have even a remote memory of Beborex brakes.

...my aesthetic sense has always been impaired. I'm like the Greta Thunberg of bicycle aesthetics.

SurferRosa

Yeah, it's gotta look right. My Bert came to me with mid-reach Record calipers and cheap pads. I hate when the pad is all the way at the top of the arm. So, I needed short reach, and had some Dura Ace calipers in my bin. Unlike Campy, DA brakes look normal with the standard Shimano holders kool-stop sells. And those salmon refills not as costly as the Mathauser ones.


.
Sorta the cheaper route to go, I know. But I further justified the DA choice as the Bert has a DA bottom bracket, too. Plus, the 7400s work quite a bit smoother than Record brakes! <ducks>