Front brake question

[teck_mountain]

79 xs1100 special

I have both calipers off the front of my bike. I did this for a number of reasons including changing the pads. I am ready to put them back on. However the left side caliper will not match up to the mounting hole on the fork.

Any suggestion or ideas as to why?

Teck

[Czekus21]

Do you still have the spacer? It will be about 2-3 mm thick.

[teck_mountain]

front Caliper

spacer there

But I'm talking a half inch out

[Czekus21]

There should also be a spacer/slider clip that goes between the caliper and fork mount. It is indented and fits into the grove at the mount. If this pops out of place when assembling the caliper to the fork then you will have a very large gap. The pads have corrosponding "nipples" ( if you want to call them that ) that fit into these sliders which in turn fit into the groves. What they do is give the pads a smooth place to slide as well as keep them aligned. If everything is assebled correctlly, the only thing you'll need to line up is the spacer for the mounting bolt. SWMBO's got my camera so I can't take a pic. It might seem cumbersum, but you will need both hands. One to hold the caliper assy in place and the other to insert the washer/spacer and bolt. Hope this helps. If not I'll post a pic of what I'm talking about when moma gets home.

[John]

Look at the brake pads. If they are not located properly in the caliper, the caliper will not bolt up all the way. There is a tab on the opposite end of the mounting hole in the pads. This tab must seat into the caliper. I think from what you have described that this is your problem.

[teck_mountain]

Solved brake problem

Yes, it does help to put the new pads on the correct side. I had the left on the right and right on the left. Guess what happened when I swithed them.

Thanks for the help

I'm sure I will be back

teck

[Czekus21]

Thanks John. I couldn't remember the name of the ('nipples' ) tabs. I guess I'm getting early alshiemers of something. LoL.