No squeaky pads for Mafac brakes?
05-24-21, 02:00 PM
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No squeaky pads for Mafac brakes?
What pads do you recommend for mafac brakes that have some toeing capability and less/no squeak?
05-24-21, 02:54 PM
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05-24-21, 03:13 PM
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Kool-Stop Mafac pads
Alternatively you could probably fit any type of stud-mounted cantilever pads or pad holders and get something with a lip.
Alternatively you could probably fit any type of stud-mounted cantilever pads or pad holders and get something with a lip.
05-24-21, 05:18 PM
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I've seen the Kool Stops available from several vendors over the years. Here's one: MAFAC Brake Pads
The trick I used to toe mine in on my since sold Peugeot was to use small narrow pieces of brass shim stock under the outside edge of the round spacer where the mounting post goes through the caliper arm. It allowed me to get them squeal free on a set of machined sidewall rims. You have to be a little careful with how you tighten it because that round spacer can crack. I had no issues with performance with that setup, and actually consider them to be about the best vintage brakes I have ever used.
The trick I used to toe mine in on my since sold Peugeot was to use small narrow pieces of brass shim stock under the outside edge of the round spacer where the mounting post goes through the caliper arm. It allowed me to get them squeal free on a set of machined sidewall rims. You have to be a little careful with how you tighten it because that round spacer can crack. I had no issues with performance with that setup, and actually consider them to be about the best vintage brakes I have ever used.
05-24-21, 06:05 PM
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05-25-21, 04:18 PM
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Like others here, I just use Koolstops. I don't even pay much attention to which ones.
Now in past years I actually liked the famous Mafac squeal, especially in hostile '70s Boston traffic. A motorist pulls a fast on on me? I would just hit the front brake extra hard. That would turn every pedestrian's head within a block. I point at the offending car. Eyes follow my point. Motorist is awakened from his stupor by the squeal, looks up, sees all eyes on him and slinks of like a guilty cat with its tail between its legs.
Now in past years I actually liked the famous Mafac squeal, especially in hostile '70s Boston traffic. A motorist pulls a fast on on me? I would just hit the front brake extra hard. That would turn every pedestrian's head within a block. I point at the offending car. Eyes follow my point. Motorist is awakened from his stupor by the squeal, looks up, sees all eyes on him and slinks of like a guilty cat with its tail between its legs.
05-25-21, 04:40 PM
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Honestly the crescent wrench approach works wonders - I was just out on my CLB Racer equipped MB/Supercycle and the back brake squealed loudly. 30 seconds and a slight toe-in adjustment with the wrench and all was well. Its faster and easier to adjust than trying shims.
05-25-21, 05:44 PM
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Have heard of the Crescent wrench method. Has anyone ever written a description of the process with photos?
05-25-21, 07:18 PM
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Not really much to tell - set the wrench to the thickness of the slotted piece of the brake arm that holds the pad. Twist in the direction desired.....The real thing to bear in mind is its not a stuck stem - be firm and gentle, and go slowly. If you twist with all your might you may break something.
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05-25-21, 07:19 PM
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05-25-21, 08:44 PM
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Rene Herse sells Mafac specific toe-in washers just for this purpose. I suspect angled washers from old cantilever brakes would also work.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...e-washer-pair/
https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...e-washer-pair/
05-25-21, 09:36 PM
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