One of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?

I have been cycling without brakes for weeks. This is because, on both wheels, the left side brake pad is like 2mm away from the wheel, and the right side is about 1 cm away. When I try to tighten the cable, the left brake pad rubs along the wheel, even if I don't use the brake. How do I align them, so they are both the same distance away from the wheel?



Note: I have V brakesOne of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?There are adjusters on the sides of the v-brake. These will be a very small allen key fitting or a scewdriver type fitting. They are located at the base of the v-brake. These adjusters connect to the spring within the brake.

What you need to do is adjust the spring tensions so that the brakes align correctly. Reduce one side and increase the other to fine tune the position. Make a small adjustment, then pull the brake lever. This allows you to see progress made and will mean you don't overcompensate. Pulling the lever also means you are re-setting the position relative to cable throw, so you will get an accurate set-up. Should you simply centre the brakes then pull the lever, you will find they are no longer centred.

This is a quick and simple task that will improve your brake feel immensely. Don't forget to tighten the cable and re-check adjustment once you have the brakes tightened up to give the lever throw you want.One of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?Do you have a quick release wheel? Sometimes when I am putting my wheel back on I don't get it straight on. Unlock and re align. See if that works before further adjusting the cables; it's a lot simpler!One of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?Derailers and brakes look pretty easy to adjust and most people start turning screws and tightening or loosening cables before they understand the interaction of these adjustments.



Often they will make an adjustment that can have humorous and even serious consequences. Shifting a bike that has had the derailers adjusted improperly can cause the rear derailer and chain to drop into the spokes and throw you over the handlebars.



Improper adjustment of the brakes can cause the brake shoes to drop below the rim and go into the spokes. Putting on the brake shoes improperly can result in the shoes shooting out of their housing leaving you with no brakes at all.



So before you start working on your bike attend a class at your local bike shop.One of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?Paul W is correct. You need to use the smalll adjusting screws on the brakes calipers to adjust spring pressure to center the brakes. Here is a good article on the Park Tool Website to get you going.



http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp



Sounds like you also need to adjust the cable tensions if you have 1 cm of travel on one side. You should be able to use the barrel adjuster at the brake lever to do this.



Hope this helps.One of my brake pads is closer to the wheel than the other?Paul nailed it. Its a somewhat fine adjustment, very easy to do too. Should be on each side of your brakes.