aligning rim brake pads?

[tylercheung]

Does anyone have a better way of aligning rim brake pad/shoes/holders? So far, I try to tighten (supposedly to 8 NM) while squeezing the brake lever but the pad always rotates as I'm approaching the specified torque.

Also - uh, best way to buy a replacement nut/female threaded bolt for the campy brake holder? it doesn't seem like something readily carried by McMaster Carr...

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by tylercheung

Does anyone have a better way of aligning rim brake pad/shoes/holders? So far, I try to tighten (supposedly to 8 NM) while squeezing the brake lever but the pad always rotates as I'm approaching the specified torque.

Also - uh, best way to buy a replacement nut/female threaded bolt for the campy brake holder? it doesn't seem like something readily carried by McMaster Carr...

To answer the first question: Use lube or grease on the threads before tightening. You should be able to perform an initial tightening to a lower torque without the pad holder moving. Then hold the pad holder with your fingers while increasing the torque to the specified limit. If your hands aren't strong enough, use a pair of channel lock pliers, wrapped in tape to protect the metal.

Second question: If you're looking for the top hat shaped shouldered nut for Campy brake pads and can't find them on-line, buy some Jagwire brake pads with holders and either use just the shouldered nut or use the entire Jagwire assembly..

[Black Dog]

You can also use a toe strap to hold the brake lever tight so you can have both hands free to tighten the pad holders.

[Veloo]

I use a looped zip tie on the back end of the pads for toe in.
Then I roughly line up the pads and squeeze the brake lever.
Adjust pad position as needed.
Tighten bolt just enough to keep pad in place.
Release brake lever and finish tightening with one hand holding pad to stop any rotation.
Repeat for other side.

Sorry, don't have any advice on the Campy part.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I use these plastic Jagwire aligners and an Irwin QuickGrip clamp to set the pads. I remove the wheel and use my hand to steady the pad/holder in the caliper to tighten the torque. Never used a torque wrench on brake pads, honestly.

[Hindmost]

At first, lightly tighten the pad. Then, with a a Cresent wrench holding the exposed end firmly tighten the pad. Re check alignment.

[ridethecliche]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

I use these plastic Jagwire aligners and an Irwin QuickGrip clamp to set the pads. I remove the wheel and use my hand to steady the pad/holder in the caliper to tighten the torque. Never used a torque wrench on brake pads, honestly.

Hahaha dammit this is brilliant. The zip tie idea is great too but this way would legit make me actually consider swapping brake pads or shoes on a regular basis ie carbon to Al rim brake wheels etc.

[tylercheung]

ah thanks - these are all useful!

[LesW]

Originally Posted by Veloo

I use a looped zip tie on the back end of the pads for toe in.
Then I roughly line up the pads and squeeze the brake lever.
Adjust pad position as needed.
Tighten bolt just enough to keep pad in place.
Release brake lever and finish tightening with one hand holding pad to stop any rotation.
Repeat for other side.

Sorry, don't have any advice on the Campy part.

Exactly what I do.