Help with Weinmann/Shimano Canti Setup

[drk_peak]

I've recently acquired a Dawes Galaxy Mixte for the missus, pretty original as far as i can tell but was in a bit of a state so i've stripped and rebuilt, first proper ride will be at Eroica next month but judging by it's current stopping power it's not going anywhere!

I'm new to canti's but I've set up best i can, Shimano BR-AT50's, greased, replaced cables, retorqued bolts, original straddle wire looks in good order, toe'd in pads etc - there is good feel in the lever, taut, but if you apply the pressure necessary to stop they just aren't having it.
It seems that the rubber hood at the lever end is compressing when you brake (see pics) - is this meant to happen? - seems like there may be a part missing from the lever itself, maybe a spacer which goes underneath the hood? - any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys

 

[Robbied196]

Re:

You need to fit the cable stop ferrules inside the rubber hood.

The bottom of the ferrule should fit into the brake cable hole in the top of the brake lever.

Easiest way is to pull up the front of the rubber hood and wiggle the ferrule inside. Pull the brake cable inner through then slide on the outer cover.

If you've got the rubber hood caught under the ferrule like in the pic I guess you will get slightly spongy brakes.

The catch is, you'll need to completely strip down the cables again to move the ferrule :cry: unless you can stretch the rubber over it

Nice build btw

 

[drk_peak]

Thanks man, I did wonder that myself but as the bike came set up that way I thought must be correct, how wrong I was! - never mind and lesson learned, that's a big help Robbied196, will try later tonight

 

[Midlife]

Robbied196 is right, the ferrule should be under the hood. Try coaxing the ferrule onto the top of the brake lever by using a very small flat head screwdriver or small nail (panel pin) and some washing up liquid / olive oil. Tension a little with the brake lever.

Otherwise it's taking the cable out and starting again.....

Shaun

 

[drk_peak]

Ha, worked a treat, ended up seating the ferrule under the rubber hud and rethreading the cables, much more responsive braking, bit of a faff but at least now it stops which is a definite result! - thanks both

Any recommendations on replacing pads while I'm at it? - the originals which are on at the moment are in good order but wondered if swapping them for a better compound might help?