Issues with mechanical caliper brake lever RadCity 3.

[Limeybastard]

I’ve looked at some YouTube videos but still have issues. I basically adjusted the back caliper as it was binding. The issue I have now is that rear caliper brake lever travels all the way to the grip and doesn’t provide adequate rear braking. Initially I thought it was because I had turned the hex screw behind the caliper too far outwards, so I removed the caliper and turned the hex screw all the way in then out one quart of a turn. Re-installed caliper but problem still persists with brake lever travel. The brake lever cable is fully turned in clockwise at the lever side and caliper side.

 

[RunForTheHills]

The barrel adjuster on the brake lever is just for fine adjustments. You need to tighten the cable on the brake caliper to get it in the ballpark first. Loosen the barrel adjuster all the way before adjusting it on the caliper so that you have some room to adjust it later.

 

[Gionnirocket]

The barrel adjuster on the brake lever is just for fine adjustments. You need to tighten the cable on the brake caliper to get it in the ballpark first. Loosen the barrel adjuster all the way before adjusting it on the caliper so that you have some room to adjust it later.

I concur

 

[fooferdoggie]

you should be adjusting the brake pad distance by the dial or screw on the caliper. this move the pan in and out. you really don't want to use the barrel adjuster.

 

[Limeybastard]

The barrel adjuster on the brake lever is just for fine adjustments. You need to tighten the cable on the brake caliper to get it in the ballpark first. Loosen the barrel adjuster all the way before adjusting it on the caliper so that you have some room to adjust it later.

When I loosened the caliper cable on the caliper, I pulled it tight and then tightened the hex screw down but it didn't seem to effect the cable tension.

 

[Limeybastard]

you should be adjusting the brake pad distance by the dial or screw on the caliper. this move the pan in and out. you really don't want to use the barrel adjuster.

I already did that I believe. , I turned it all the way in, then a quarter turn out. On this bike due to the direct drive rear hub, there is no access to the inner pad adjuster without removing the caliper assembly as far as I can tell.

 

[RunForTheHills]

You may have to hold the calipers closed with your fingers as you tighten the screw, otherwise you are just locking it in place fully open.

 

[Limeybastard]

1) Tighten the barrel adjusters (clockwise, all the way) on both caliper side and lever side
2) re-adjust the cable. Loosen the cable on caliper (one that you use hex key), pull the cable tight, re-tighten the cable (so that cable is tight, not loose anymore)
3) Use barrel adjusters (turn counter clockwise) to tighten whatever cable slack you have from installation.

Also you would need to be careful with pad adjustments too. (the puck that pushes pads)
This would depend on how much pad you have left (brand new or used)

Thanks. When turning the barrel adjustment clockwise on the caliper , it’s backing it out. Shall I back it all the way out the thread ?

 

[Limeybastard]

You may have to hold the calipers closed with your fingers as you tighten the screw, otherwise you are just locking it in place fully open.

Lol is that where I was going wrong cheers guys.

 

[RunForTheHills]

No worries. That is a common mistake.

 

[ExPatBrit]

On those Rad (Tektro) brakes only the outer pad moves.

So loosen the caliper mounting bolts and apply the brakes to center the caliper then re tighten. Then adjust the cable.

 

[Limeybastard]

On those Rad (Tektro) brakes only the outer pad moves.

So loosen the caliper mounting bolts and apply the brakes to center the caliper then re tighten. Then adjust the cable.

Yeah. In the end that’s all I had to do, loosed the cable then pulled it with a plier and slightly moved the caliper lever arm on the caliper back a little then torqued cable.