Linear-pull (V-brake) adjustment - part identification

Brake Lever: mounting bolt, reach adjustment screw, pivot, barrel adjuster and lock ring.

Fig 1

Brake assembly: brake arms, mounting bolts, cable pinch bolt, return springs, centering screws.

Fig 2

Brake assembly (continued): noodle, cradle, boot.

Fig 3

Brake pad: mounting nut, concave/convex washers.

Fig 4

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

Brake cable: end cap, ball end.

Fig 5

Brake cable housing: ferrules, housing stops.

Fig 6

Linear-pull (V-brake) pre-adjustment inspection

a) Check that the wheel is seated flush in the dropouts and is trued and centered.

Fig 7

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

b) Check that the brake assembly is properly mounted, relatively centered, and that the brake arms move freely

without flopping. Check that return spring is in place and not broken. Also, make sure the spring is inserted into

the center hole on the brake boss (part of the frame where the brakes attach).

Fig 8

The mounting bolts should be snug, but not super tight.

c) Check the brake levers for damage, working barrel adjusters, mounting bolts, and working return

springs if applicable.

d) Check the brake housing for damage, sharp bends, and proper length to allow movement without sharp

bends. Make sure the cable stops on the frame are in good condition, and that there are ferrules on the

housing ends.

Fig 9

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

Linear Pull (V-brake) Adjustment

1. Set lever position and angle (optional)

To a large extent, the position of the brake levers is a matter of personal preference. However, the following

procedure should be done if the levers are grossly out of position.

Fig 10

Loosen the mounting bolt/nut, position lever on handlebar and set at 45 degrees to the ground.

Tighten the mounting hardware.

Fig 11

Fig 12

Use the reach adjustment screw to set the distance between the lever and the handlebar to allow a comfortable reach. Turning it clockwise will move the lever closer to the bar.

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

2. Adjust brake pads

It's important that the brake pads contact the rim squarely and in the center of the braking surface. A misaligned

pad may slide off the rim and into the tire or spokes.

Fig 13

Most linear-pull brakes use brake pads with convex and concave washers which allow them to be angled in any direction.

Also notice that there are two thicknesses of concave washer on each pad. That is so you can adjust how far the pads extend from the brake arms.

Fig 14

The pads should follow the curve of the rim.

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

Fig 15

They should be centered vertically on braking surface of rim.

Fig 16

And they should contact the rim at a 90 degree angle to the braking surface.

Ideally, at the point of contact, the brake arms should be at a 90 degree angle to the pads as well. If your brake arms are at an extreme angle to the pads when the pads contact the rim, you may need to swap the washers on the brake pad.

Generally, brake pads are set up with toe-in. Toe-in means the leading edge of the pad touches the rim before

the trailing edge. This counteracts the torque imparted on the brake by the rim and stops squealing. The standard

amount of toe-in is 1mm (the trailing edge of the pad will be 1mm from the rim when the leading edge makes

contact).

Many linear-pull brakes, however, use asymmetrical pads which are designed to be used with no toe-in.

They don't require toe-in because the longer rear section of the pad resists the twisting forces exerted on it by the

wheel.

So the rule of thumb is, if you have asymmetrical pads set them up without toe-in and only add

it if necessary. If your pads are symmetrical set them up with 1mm of toe-in.

Fig 17

Symmetrical pads should have about 1mm of toe-in.

Last Updated: 11/20/2006.

Fig 18

Set asymmetrical pads so they are parallel to the rim when viewed from above.

(Pretend the pad in the picture is asymmetrical)

Fig 19

Brake pads should be adjusted one at a time. Loosen the brake pad mounting bolt just enough to allow the pad to move.

Keeping your wrench in the brake pad mounting bolt, manipulate the pad with your other hand.

Make small adjustments and check frequently by snugging up the bolt and pushing the brake pad against the rim while watching to see how it hits.

A method which can greatly simplify adjustment is to release the spring on the side you are adjusting and let

the spring in the other arm pull the pad against the rim.

Fig 20

The spring rests on a little knob on the brake arm. To disconnect it, push the spring in toward the wheel and move it to the side.