Single pivot caliper brake help

[magicmayonaise]

(08-12-2011, 12:53 AM)nfmisso Wrote:  First MM, you have dual pivot side pull brakes, not single pivot.

The black lever released the cable tension. You need a wrench that fits the nut on the back side of the fork that holds the brake in place.

Release the cable tension.
Loosen the nut the holds the brake in place slightly, so that you can rotate the whole brake assembly around the bolt that goes through the fork, but not twist it in any other direction.
With the cable tension released, center the brake over the rim, so that both pads are the same distance away from the rim - some spacers (cardboard, plastic, whatever) and a ruler will help.
Now keeping the brake centered, tighten the nut that holds it in place so that the assembly can no longer move.
No flip the black lever to put tension on the cable, and all should be good, if what you did before did not mess things up.

If this doesn't work, you are going to have to spend a few bucks at a bike shop.

Thanks for the reply, sadly the brake arms are still keeping shut after I pull the lever. If anyone has any other suggestions before I eat $20 bucks for a brake adjustment at my local bike shop I'll be very grateful.