Tiagra Brakes - Brake Pad Misaligned.

[Judderz]

Hi Guys/Girls

I have Shimano Tiagra brake calipers on my Ribble, and just replaced the pads for Clarks.
The Clarks are slightly longer, but that's not the issue, the issue is that the pads won't align properly on one side (on both front and back caliper). The back end of the pad is further away than the front end. This happens on the front and back as mentioned, but only on one side. I've checked the old pads, and they have worn the same way (more wear on the front end than the back end). Pics attached below...is this normal for Tiagra brakes, (I wouldn't of thought so or safe really), or is there something I need to adjust to bring it in line??

Cheers

 

[potsy]

Did you put the washers back exactly how they came off?

Edit- If you only changed the pads then that won't be it

 

[Judderz]

Yep, pads only, washers exact same on both sides.

 

[PpPete]

Er .... the back end of the pad is supposed to be slightly further away from the rim than the front. This is called "toe-ing in"
It is there for a reason. Brakes set up like this do not squeal or judder as they would if pad and rims surface were exactly parallel.

 

[potsy]

Yep, pads only, washers exact same on both sides.

They should be 'toe'd in' anyway, maybe they were wrong originally and need both sides to be like that?

 

[Judderz]

Er .... the back end of the pad is supposed to be slightly further away from the rim than the front. This is called "toe-ing in"
It is there for a reason. Brakes set up like this do not squeal or judder as they would if pad and rims surface were exactly parallel.

But it's only happening on one side, should that be the case?

 

[ushills]

You need to adjust the holders as well, easiest way is to loosen the holders put a bit of card behind the rear of each pad. Align the pads on the rim. Squeeze brake then retighten holder ensuring it doesn't rotate.

Now check operation of brakes and make sure they hit the rim correctly and have a degree of toe in, should be equal both sides.

 

[PpPete]

Should be symmetrical. If the pad holders are anything like mine, back off the allen bolt that holds the pad on the caliper, line it up on the rim with a piece of thin card under the back of pad (to get a suitable amount of toe-in), tighten back up again.

Some types I think you have to rotate an asymmetrical washer between the pad holder and the caliper arm to change the alignment.

Back in the "good old days" you just got an adjustable spanner on the caliper arm and applied an a appropriate amount of "brute force".

However - if your brakes work without any squealing as they are- don't sweat it, you can leave well alone.

 

[Judderz]

Just off out on a ride on it, will report back shortly...cheers guys

 

[Judderz]

After a ride out in the rain yesterday, they performed well, a little squeal at first, I put this down to the wet weather and crap on the rims. After a while the squealing stopped.
I did check on my friends bike who has the same brakes, and his are symmetrical, so no idea.

 

[2Loose]

I have those holders and if you loosen the allen bolt, then squeeze the brake lever the domed washer will allow the holder to swivel a little and realign. Then re-tighten the bolt - sorted.