Why won’t this cantilever align? Also the left brake arm pulls more while the one on the right is weaker, the alignment screw on it doesn’t do anything
by Foxcookies
Why won’t this cantilever align? Also the left brake arm pulls more while the one on the right is weaker, the alignment screw on it doesn’t do anything
by Foxcookies
7 Comments
Check the springs and that they are set to the same hole on the back behind the arm. If they are in the same, check the screw that is at the side that balances the tension
The cables on each side should be the same length. Adjust that first. Then, if one side still doesn’t move adjust the tension springs until there is an even pull from both sides. The spring adjustment should be behind each cantilever arm near the pivot.
Like everyone else said, make sure Springs are in the same holes (remove hex bolt, slide each arm up off the post until you see the 3 spring holes on the frame and ensure each arm spring is in the same hole, tighten hex bolts back down). There’s also a spring adjustment screw on 1 or both sides. You can use that to fine tune. You may also want to consider a different hanger setup. The one you have can be hard to adjust evenly if youre not used to it.
Also … just make sure the springs work. On older bikes those springs can fail. Its rare but it can happen. Just make sure there is a similar resistance in each arm. Also on the circle hanger that the cable goes through. Some times there are little notches the cable has to go through. And the bolt on of the hangar sets the length and it needs to match the quick release side in terms of length.
In addition to what everyone else said, the pads should be angled the same and the posts should be extended the same amount on each side. Currently it looks like the non drive side is significantly farther in than the drive side.
Park tools has a great setup video. Cantilevers are tricky to get right. Don’t feel bad.
Loosen pads and that center “pinch” bolt and try to get the straddle cable even. Then tighten up the center pinch, pads next. If it still pulls like shit, then adjust spring tension by going up a hole on the weaker side. I would also unscrew the fine tune screw so it’s closer to an even starting point.
If it’s close even at any time just run one of the pads a little further in. They’re pretty old and nothing fancy. They’ll still do the job.
They also have a nice U bracket adjustment tool that you could use. Tool number denoted by the letter/# code on straddle cable.
Do you need it, no. Does it help, yes. Just don’t be a perfectionist if it’s close enough. They’re old and nothing special
Just to add to everything else…. old grease prevents motion of the arm.
Pull them off, clean, lube and start again