Re: Instructions for installing Shimano cantilever brakes.

Thanks James, but I still have questions.....

James Thomson said:

Ken Pisichko said:

I have a set of Shimano cantilever brakes that I want to install
on my "being-built" touring bicycle. I have the little cable and
the two plastic "tubes" (one with metal ends) but I don't know
how to put this together. None of my bicycles have cantilever
brakes, so I have no idea whatsoever.

Here's an exploded view of a late model XT canti:

http://bernd.sluka.de/Fahrrad/Shimano/TM/BR-M737_1996.gif

Part number 11 is actually 2 parts: (1) the circular metal piecs with the cable
(on the left) and, (2) a plastic tube on the right. I assume a cable goes
through the plastic tube from the cantilever and then upwards. However, there is
another curved piece with 2 metal ends and I have not found out what they are
for, nor what they do.

The later model one (see below on the shimano site), has a 1-piece cable
(number 11) attaching to both levers.

Quoted message said:

And finally, Shimano have a pdf of their R550 canti:

http://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/phpimages/product/exp_view/BR-R550.pdf

HTH

James Thomson

Ken Pisichko said:

Part number 11 is actually 2 parts: (1) the circular metal piecs with

the cable

Quoted message said:

(on the left) and, (2) a plastic tube on the right. I assume a cable

goes

Quoted message said:

through the plastic tube from the cantilever and then upwards.

However, there is

Quoted message said:

another curved piece with 2 metal ends and I have not found out what

they are

Quoted message said:

for, nor what they do.

Forgive me if this sounds like a silly question, but are you refering
to a section of outer cable with ferrules on each end, meant to go
between the lever and the cable stop?

And yes, #11 is really two parts. The 'dummy' leg to the left, and the
damned pastic tube that gets chewed up over the life of 10-20 pairs of
Koolstop Salmon pads.

Ken Pisichko said:

Thanks James, but I still have questions.....

Quoted message said:

Part number 11 is actually 2 parts: (1) the circular metal piecs with

the cable

Quoted message said:

(on the left) and, (2) a plastic tube on the right. I assume a cable

goes

Quoted message said:

through the plastic tube from the cantilever and then upwards.

However, there is

Quoted message said:

another curved piece with 2 metal ends and I have not found out what

they are

Quoted message said:

for, nor what they do.

Be careful, if there's one bit of bike wrenching that can win you a
Darwin Award it's canti brakes.

Brian Huntley said:

Forgive me if this sounds like a silly question, but are you refering
to a section of outer cable with ferrules on each end, meant to go
between the lever and the cable stop?

Maybe that is what it is!! But the plastic is only about 3 or 4 inches
long. It does not seem to be anything to do with the lower part of the
canti braking system. I just cannot visualize it being anything at the
"cantilever end" of the system.