[kindtrails]

I am assembling a new bike. It is a foes fxr with Magura Julie brakes. I can't get the rear caliper to align with the rotor. It looks as if the caliper is tilted a few degrees. So the rotor rubs the top of the pad on one side, and the bottom of the pad on the other side. My park book shows some funny shims to shim them, But they don't change the angle which the caliper sits. My local bike shop mechanic told me to file the adaptor. I am real nervoius to file anything! I don't want to ruin it. Any advice???

 

[SKYWAYBUZZ]

You have the thin thims? You can cut them in halves and that will angle the caliper.Tis a PIA but possible. Once you find the good angle never remove the caliper bolts or you will have to realign all over again.

 

[binary visions]

Frankly, I'd just file the adapter down a bit.

Worst case is you file it too much and have to file the other side down too. It's just a piece of aluminum, nothing that you'll hurt. Absolute worst case, you have to buy another adapter and start over.

 

[jacksonpt]

I understand your hesitation when it comes to filing... I'd feel the same way about a new expensive dream bike.

If I'm picturing this right...

Did you get really thin washer type things with the brakes? If you only use one, you'll shim the caliper unevently, effectively angling it. That should work for where the pad touches the outside of the rotor, but I'm not sure if it will have any effect on where the pad touches the inside of the rotor.

Perhaps double check to make sure the pads are installed/seated properly.

 

[kindtrails]

so I got some of the really thin shims from the bike shop ( how come my cheap brakes did't come with any? ) My machinist friend recommended the same thing- cut the shim in half. I got them really close, (they no longer rub) but you can still see a slight misallignment. My concern is the effectivness of my brakes and the pad life. If everything isn't paralell, than I won't get nearly as much pad life?---Thanks for the help! Is this a common problem? Would I have this problem if I bought a $450.00 brakeset?

 

[SKYWAYBUZZ]

Avid has the easiest alignment system.
Shine a flash light thru the caliper ,helps to see how the pads are aligned. Break the pads in by going and coming to a complete" stop many times to set the pads with the rotor. If the caliper isn't aligned the pads may wear crooked or uneven, maybe give it another go (patience required)if your not satisfied with the spacing.