Schwinn 26” User Manual page 24

Centering the Brake Pads
If you squeeze the brake lever and one brake arm
moves more than the other, (or not at all), the brake is
not centered. You will need to fine tune the brake pads.
Multiple adjustments may be necessary to center the
brake pads, correctly set the brake pressure, and set
the gap between the brake pad and rim.
Tools: 15 mm open and box end wrench,
adjustable pliers, 5 mm allen wrench,
phillips Head screwdriver
See the facing page for diagrams of the following steps.
1 . Rotate the wheel and look straight down at the
brake pads. If you find the gap between the rim and
brake pads is uneven it indicates the wheel or brake
pads are not centered.
2 . Check if the wheel is centered.
3 . Rotate the wheel and observe if the gap between
the fork and wheel is uneven. If it is, loosen the axle
nuts and adjust the wheel until centered.
4 . If the gap between the wheel and brake pad is
uneven, adjust the position of the brake pad.
21
Using a phillips head screwdriver, adjust the brake
arm screws on either side of the brake arm.
Note: Turning the screw counterclockwise moves
the pad away from the rim. Turning the screw
clockwise moves the pad towards the rim.
Start with the side where the pad is closest to the
rim or is not moving properly. Turn the screw to
move the pad towards or away from the rim.
Adjustments to these screws should be made in
small increments, one-quarter to one-half turn
then checked by activating the brake lever three to
four times after each adjustment. If you continue
to adjust the screw until you have noticeable
movement you will run out of adjustment.
5 . Pull and release the brake lever a few times and
check if the pads are centered.
6 . If necessary, repeat steps one and two until the
brake pads are centered and the gap between the
pads and rim is between 1-2 mm.