K2 / Proflex Riders Group

General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: Shaggy on March 24, 2004, 03:08:04 am

Title: Avid V-brake problem
Post by: Shaggy on March 24, 2004, 03:08:04 am

I bought a set of Avid SD-7's that were unused take-offs from ediscountbike.  I mounted them to the bike and started adjusting the pads when I noticed that the left rear brake arm has considerable play (toward/away from the seatstay).  I checked out the other three, only normal play.  After troubleshooting with various bikes and various brakes, I've determined that it is the brake, not the bike.  
Upon closer inspection, the inner sleeve assembly is loose within the brake arm.  Has anyone seen this problem, and can anything be done to correct it?
I'm in the process of contacting ediscountbike to see what they're willing to do.  Given the nature of their business, they probably can't replace it.  Should I try to have them refund the money?
Thanks...

Title: Re: Avid V-brake problem
Post by: Matno on March 24, 2004, 05:54:19 am

I've had a similar experience. I bought some Avid V's from PricePoint a few years back and they didn't have enough play in them. They would bind unless I left the brake bolt too loose to stay on the bike! I called Avid directly, and they sent me a new set, no questions asked. Got them in the mail 3 days later. Recently, when I was building my single speed, the brakes I bought on eBay were used Avids, which had only a little too much play. I was able to use old my defective brake arms (which were brand new) with the used internals, and lo and behold, a near perfect match! Now I have silver brake arms on my silver frame in the back and black ones on my black fork! :)

Title: Re: Avid V-brake problem
Post by: pedro on March 25, 2004, 09:49:53 am

I have had the same problem with my avid v brakes, having a bit of swaying. I have kept them on and they continue to work ok.
(I did buy new ones which I keep as replacements!)

Title: Re: Avid V-brake problem
Post by: Scott on March 26, 2004, 01:52:51 pm

You can tap out the pivot and add a thin washer-soda can thicknes- between the pivot cap and top of the arm-I bought a set of Avid Mags from a NORBA pro and they all had different #'s of washers up top.  This'll work to a point but doesn't address the fact that yours are new!  

Title: Re: Avid V-brake problem
Post by: Shaggy on March 29, 2004, 01:34:28 pm

Have an update...
I took the brake up to the LBS; they were familiar with the problem and tried the normal fix-tightening up the press fit of the inner pivot assembly.  I took it home, but it still had the same play.  
After a little bout of phone tag with ediscountbike last week, I finally got a hold of them today.  I told the CS guy about the problem, he told me he would see what they had on hand and get back to me later in the day.  10 mintues later he called back and said they still had a few more and he would send a new set out that day at no charge.  
Very happy with Rus (the CS guy) and ediscountbike.  They were very friendly and helpful and took care of the problem ASAP.  Nice to see these days...