Brakes directional?

ferball

New Member

Apr 8, 2010

598

2

0

NH

Jun 20, 2011

• #1

I had to install brakes on the rear side of the fork and backwards, they slow the bike but dont really grab. If I apply the brakes and roll backwards they grab like nobody's business. So are brakes unidirectioinal or did I do something wrong?

 

The_Aleman

Active Member

Jul 31, 2008

2,653

4

38

el People's Republik de Kalifornistan

Jun 21, 2011

• #2

The pads themselves are often directional, but the brakes themselves shouldn't be. After all, rear brakes are installed the same way you currently have your front brakes. Try flipping the pads around.

 

DuctTapedGoat

Active Member

Dec 20, 2010

1,179

10

38

38

Nampa Idaho

Jun 21, 2011

• #3

The calipers could be installed backwards - that's a possibility.

Though yes, they're often directional, you can see it when they are. As well, they need to be toed in.

 

ferball

New Member

Apr 8, 2010

598

2

0

NH

Jun 21, 2011

• #4

I'll try turning the pads around, but they are the cantilever style brakes not caliper. I wanted the extra stopping power of cantilever, but it does not seem to be working.

 

Elmo

New Member

Sep 3, 2009

748

4

0

Mississippi

Jun 21, 2011

• #5

Check your pads. They should be toed in, I.E. put a piece of business card under both sides on the side opposite to the rotation and use a clamp on the brake arms and tighten the pads down.