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How to replace your V-brake rubber pads? (option 2)
 
After we looked at how to replace your V-brake rubber pads (details here) we wanted to offer another, perhaps slightly more �long winded� but maybe easier way of doing the same job. The main difference is that in this guide we are taking the whole brake shoe off to replace the rubber pad, rather than leaving it on the V-brake arm. It makes it slightly less fiddly, and you don�t need long nose pliers to remove the safety pin from the cartridge.

So without any further ado, let�s get started.

1.) What you need for the job are a new set of rubber brake pads (for example our �All Weather Brake Replacement Rubber Pad Inserts� code CC-M31R � details here), a pair of pliers and an Allen key set. The image shows long nose pliers, but any set of pliers will do the job. This will become clearer in the following steps.




2.) Push away rubber cable protector, unclip V-brake pipe so that you can release and open the brake.






3.) Using your Allen key set (most likely a 5mm key) unscrew the bolt that holds the pad in place by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction. Take the brake shoe out of the V-brake arm and put spacers aside. Use the opportunity to clean your brake arm when the brake shoe has been removed.

Depending on rim width, use thicker or thinner spacer between the brake shoe and brake arm. What you are looking for is that your V-brake arm is in a vertical position when the pad hits the rim. If the arm bends towards the rim, then you need to change the spacers so that it is at least vertical.

For simplicity (and in particular if you are replacing the worn out brake shoes with a similar model) then you are best advised to keep/try the same spacer arrangement as when the old shoes came off.












4.) Take pliers and remove the little security pin (which prevents the rubber pad from sliding out of the cartridge).






5.) Using your thumb, push rubber pad backwards and out of the cartridge brake shoe. You will need to pull this out of the opposite end, as it will sit rather tightly.






6.) Insert rubber pad into the cartridge (make sure the curvature of the pad is the same as of the cartridge) / make sure the part of the rubber pad that has the gap in the insert slot on the back goes in last. That gap is located at the back end of the rubber pad so that you can push the security pin back through once you are done.



This is the wrong orientation.



This is correct!




7.) Push all the way to the front of the cartridge.




8.) Take your pliers and grab the little security pin. Insert the pin into the hole and make sure it goes all the way through. Is should snap into place once inserted far enough.








9.) Put convex spacer (with its flat ending against the brake shoe) first, followed by the concave (male) spacer so that it slots into the convex spacer onto the brake shoe bolt.




10.) Insert brake shoes bolt through the brake arm with the brake shoe being positioned between V-brake arm and rim.




11.) For easier instalment, reconnect the brake cable as it allows you to push the brake shoe against the rim by pulling the leaver.








12.) Now, put concave (male) spacer (with flat ending against the brake arm) onto the bolt, followed by the convex spacer so that they slot into each other.



13.) Put little washer back on before you screw the main nut back in place with your 5mm Allen key.

Don�t tighten the nut all the way as the movement of the brake shoe is needed for alignment.






14.) By gently pulling the brake leaver bring the brake shoe against the rim and make sure that it sits in the centre of the rim�s braking surface and that the low edge of the brake shoe runs in line with the edge of the rim.

The brake shoe/pad should not touch the tyre or be off the braking surface of the rim.






15.) Once you have aligned the brake shoe (please keep pulling the leaver so that you don�t lose the position of the brake shoe), please tighten the brake shoe nut with your 5mm Allen key in a clockwise direction. Make sure you don�t over tighten the system.




16.) Repeat on the other side.

17.) As new brake pads will be thicker, you might have to adjust the cable adjustment barrel or/and give a little bit more cable on the top of the brake arm (wheel should spin freely when brake not applied).






18.) Pull brake lever gently to check that both brake arms pull back from the rim evenly.

19.) If uneven, adjust the spring tension of the brake arm with (depending on brake model) with a correct size Allen key or screwdriver. Turning the screw clockwise will increase spring tension in that arm and with that pull it further away from the rim.




20.) Both brake arms should pull back evenly now, and wheel should spin freely when brake not applied.

21.) Please make sure that the V-brake arms are in a vertical position when the brake lever is pulled. Please see point 3 for details.

22.) Should your brakes squeak when braking, then please have a look at our �How � (details here) and check steps 19 � 27.

Disclaimer:
Please note that our �How to�� guides are only advisory and that we cannot be held accountable for any damage or cost in relation to this article. If you use the information in this document, you take full responsibility for the outcome. If you are at all unsure please have a qualified bicycle mechanic do this job for you. Incorrect installation can lead to failure and serious injury.

by Mikethebike     Wed Aug 22, 2018

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