Shimano BR-3300 - User Manual

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Installation of the brake lever

BR-3300

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

Before use‚ read these instructions carefully‚ and follow them for

correct use.

In order to realize the best performance, we recommend that

the folowing combination be used.

Brake lever

Caliper Brake

Brake cable

BR-3300

Series

SORA

Caliper Brake

It is important to completely understand the

operation of your bicycle's brake system.

Improper use of your bicycle's brake system may

result in a loss of control or an accident, which

could lead to severe injury. Because each bicycle

may handle differently, be sure to learn the

proper braking technique (including brake lever

pressure and bicycle control characteristics) and

operation of your bicycle. This can be done by

consulting your professional bicycle dealer and

the bicycle's owners manual, and by practicing

your riding and braking technique.

Securely tighten the caliper brake mounting nuts

to the specified tightening torque.

Use lock nuts with nylon inserts (self-locking

nuts) for nut-type brakes.

For sunken nut type brakes, use sunken nuts of

the appropriate length which can be turned six

times or more; when re-installing, apply sealant

(locking adhesive) to the nut threads.

If the nuts become loose and the brakes fall off,

they may get caught up in the bicycle and the

bicycle may fall over. Particularly if this happens

with the front wheel, the bicycle may be thrown

forward and serious injury could result.

Obtain, read and carefully service instructions

when installing parts. A loose, worn, or damaged

parts may cause injury to the rider.

We strongly recommend that only genuine

Shimano replacement parts be used.

ST-3300 / BL-R400

SI-8BZ0A

WARNING

5 mm Allen key

Outer casing

Installation bolt

Inner cable end

Cable hook

Inner cable end

Tightening torque:

6 – 8 Nm

{52 – 69 in. lbs.}

Check to be sure

that the outer

casing has been

completely and

correctly

inserted.

Checking the

outer casing

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This document provides installation and service instructions for the Shimano BR-3300 Caliper Brake, along with guidance for installing the corresponding brake lever. It emphasizes safety, proper installation techniques, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and rider safety.

Function Description

The Shimano BR-3300 Caliper Brake is a component of a bicycle's braking system, designed to slow down or stop the bicycle by applying friction to the wheel rims. It works in conjunction with a brake lever (such as the Shimano ST-3300 or BL-R400) and a brake cable to transmit the rider's input from the lever to the caliper. The caliper mechanism consists of two arms that pivot to bring brake shoes into contact with the rim. The system is crucial for controlling the bicycle's speed and ensuring safe operation.

Important Technical Specifications

Brake Lever Tightening Torque: 6-8 Nm (52-69 in. lbs.) using a 5 mm Allen key. This ensures the brake lever is securely mounted to the handlebar.
Brake Caliper Installation Bolt Tightening Torque: 8-10 Nm (69-87 in. lbs.) using a 5 mm Allen key. This torque is critical for securely attaching the brake caliper to the bicycle frame.
Brake Shoe Fixing Bolt Tightening Torque: 5-7 Nm (43-61 in. lbs.) using a 5 mm Allen key. This ensures the brake shoes are firmly held in place and do not shift during braking.
Cable Bolt Tightening Torque: 6-8 Nm (52-69 in. lbs.). This torque is for securing the brake cable to the caliper, ensuring proper cable tension and effective braking.
Recommended Shoe Clearance: A + B = 3-4 mm. This refers to the total clearance between both brake shoes and the rim when the quick release lever is closed, ensuring proper brake engagement and release.
Brake Shoe Setting Position: The brake shoe should be positioned with at least 1 mm clearance from the top edge of the rim, preventing the shoe from rubbing on the tire.
Compatibility: The BR-3300 Caliper Brake is recommended for use with Shimano SORA series components, specifically ST-3300/BL-R400 brake levers and Shimano brake cables.

Usage Features

Quick Release Lever: The brake caliper includes a quick release lever, which, when opened, widens the gap between the brake shoes, making it easier to remove or install the wheel. It must be in the closed position for proper braking.
Centering Adjustment Bolt: A centering adjustment bolt allows for minor adjustments to ensure the brake shoes are equally spaced from the rim, preventing uneven wear and improving braking performance.
Cable Adjustment Bolt: The cable adjustment bolt on the caliper allows for fine-tuning of the brake shoe clearance without needing to re-tension the main cable bolt.
Directional Brake Shoes: The brake shoes are designed with a specific "FORWARD" direction, which must be oriented correctly relative to the rim's rotation for optimal braking performance and wear.
Handlebar Integration: The brake lever and cable are designed to be integrated neatly with the handlebar, with instructions for temporarily securing the outer casing and then wrapping the handlebar with tape for a clean finish.
Safety Warnings: The manual emphasizes the importance of understanding the brake system's operation, proper braking technique, and the potential for severe injury from improper use. It also warns about the dangers of loose or damaged parts.

Maintenance Features

Regular Tightening Checks: The manual stresses the importance of securely tightening all mounting nuts and bolts to their specified torques. For nut-type brakes, lock nuts with nylon inserts are recommended. For sunken nut type brakes, sealant (locking adhesive) should be applied to the threads when re-installing.
Cable Length Adjustment: Instructions are provided to cut the brake cable at a length that prevents it from being pulled tight when the handlebar is turned fully to the left or right, reducing stress on the cable and housing.
Lubrication: If a squeaking noise occurs after a long period of use, the "A parts" (likely pivot points or cable guides within the brake lever mechanism) should be lubricated.
Brake Shoe Clearance Readjustment: The manual details how to readjust the shoe clearance using the cable adjustment bolt after initial installation or as shoes wear down.
Post-Installation Check: After installation, the brake lever should be depressed approximately 10 times as far as the grip to check that everything is operating correctly and that the shoe clearance is accurate before using the brakes.
Genuine Shimano Parts: The document strongly recommends using only genuine Shimano replacement parts to ensure proper function and safety.
Instructional Importance: Users are advised to obtain, read, and carefully follow service instructions when installing parts, as loose, worn, or damaged parts can cause injury.