original xt v-brakes - 'wobbly' pads

[foz]

Hi everyone, I've been lurking a long time, but I think this is my first post. I have some of the original xt v-brakes, the ones with the parallelogram pivot system. When new there was a fair bit of play in the linkages, but now there is even more, way too much in fact. Is there anyway to tighten them up? I remember some very thin special washers were sold for them at the time, but don't have any. As they are, they're unrideable becuase there is too much vertical play in the pads. I'd like to get them working again if possible, anyone any ideas?

Thanks, Andy

 

[Charlieboy28]

Hi ya Foz, dont know if this will help and I'm sure someone can shine more light, I have a set which i havent fitted yet, but when i got them they had a very very tiny cable tie around the linkages, i cut them off becuase i didnt know at the time why they were there so i cant explain where exactly they went, i then read on this forum yonks ago about these v's being notorious for the play and vibration, and about the sepcial kit you could but to address this , but also about how using teeny tiny cable ties did the same trick.

Im sure someone here can elaborate though

so you need the worlds smallest cable ties, but where you put em i dont know

charlie

 

[Charlieboy28]

just came across this when i googled xt v brakes and cable ties and it shows you where they should go.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64301

if you need any more info just ask drystone paul the author of the thread, he a very nice man, a very very nice man, and sure to help

 

[drystonepaul]

What you really need is the Shimano BR-M739 V Brake Tune-Up Kit. Part No. 8AA 9811. It might be a bit tricky to track one down though, but they are still available.

Basically the kit consists of some thin shims to take up the play between the pivots and some stickers to replace those which cover the pivot shaft, which need removing to fit the shims.

An old trick which worked pretty well back in the day was to just use a zip tie around the link arm to limit the free play and stop it rattling. As seen below.

 

[drystonepaul]

Would you look at that. Charlieboy leaps in and posts up while I'm still typing...!

Don't believe what he says about me being a 'very nice man' though....

 

[Charlieboy28]

lol, it is a bit freaky that you was here, and typing and that the info i found was from your thread spooky man, and your nice when there are no hills around IMO

found this also seems the kit is still available they look like this

and can be got here,

but i dont know which kit is needed 1 or 2

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/116379.html

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/116378.html

 

[one-eyed_jim]

but i dont know which kit is needed 1 or 2

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/116379.html

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/116378.html

Judging by the prices, kit 1 must be the M739 shim kit. I'm guessing that kit 2 is the replacement linkage kit for the M750 brake, but don't quote me.

 

[02gf74]

I reckon you could make the shims from a coke can - cheap as chips.

make a washer with a cut to allow to slide over the rod - would need to bend the shim and then make in crcular again but should be possible to do.

I have a pair of these in super duper condition that I will be selling once I have sorted out the rear disc brake adapter on my proflex.

 

[foz]

wow, thanks a lot guys! I remember the shim kit from BITD, I think I may actually have one or two shims installed but I'm not sure. I haven't ridden the brakes for years because there is so much vertical play in the pads that they move and rub through the tyres. I'll get in touch with allterrain to check wich is the shim kit and will order one. I'll also try the zip tie method. I'd like to get these working again, as they look better on my parkpre pro elite than the more modern ones I have on there

 

[negr6]

I'm still traumatised from shimming the XT V brakes on my then-girlfriend's M-Trax, and that was in 1997!

They're bleedin fiddly to do. Go to switzerland and find an unemployed watchmaker to do it for you..............