The Winzip caliper does have some float in it, therefore, it tends to re-adjust itself ever so slightly each time the brake lever is released. If you are having difficulty with your Santana Winzip disc brake here are a few suggestions that may help you out: 
 
Should the disc rotor noticeably deflect to one side upon squeezing the brake lever, simply re-adjust the disc bracket where it attaches to the frame and center the disc rotor in the slot of the caliper.  It may be necessary to back the brake pads away from the rotor in order to center the disc rotor. (Remember though, when you loosen this bracket that the interface between the pads & the rotor will be changed making it harder to re-adjust the pads without having them rub, also if the rotor is not perfectly true it may cause a slight rub when adjusted properly. This will simply require some break in time to allow the pads to wear parallel once again with the rotor.) 
 
This is the adjustment procedure followed at Santana during assembly of a new bike.
 
Adjust the brake pads before tightening the cable anchor bolt.  Adjusting the brake pads with the cable detached allows for a more precise adjustment because there is no pressure on the internal spring in the caliper. 
 
Adjust the pads inward on both sides until the pads slightly touch, then with your thumb push the actuating arm of the caliper forward to mimic the movement of the brake lever. It may take 3 or 4 times of this procedure in order to obtain the best adjustment (this seems to be the best way to compensate for the float in the caliper). 
 
Once the pads are adjusted properly, one can then connect the cable to the actuating arm of the caliper and tighten it down with the anchor bolt. The actuating arm on the caliper should be at the 11-12 o'clock position when brake is not being used. 
 
After the cable is secured to the caliper, squeeze the lever several times to see if the brake rubs. At this point in time adjust the brake pads inward or outward depending on if the brake is rubbing or if there is a space between the pad(s) and rotor. (hint: a half turn of adjustment inward of the brake pad can be the difference between having a brake lever that feels spongy to one that is not.) 

   [ Contact Us ]    [ Home ]     [ 1st Visit ]     [ Tandem Display ]    [ Accessories ]    [ Parts ]    [ Close-Outs ]    [ Ordering Info ]    [ About Us ]    [ Links ]