Difficulties adjusting Shimano BR517 cable discs

[CliveA]

I'm having a very difficult time adjusting the Shimano BR517 cable discs on a Dawes Galaxy.

I can adjust everything so it looks in order, but when applying the brakes, the results are really lacklustre - certainly not good enough for a touring bike. things feel right through the lever - and the pads make contact, but stopping power isn't what it should be.

I *think* I'm following the directions here:
http://si.shimano.com/php/download.php? ... 01-ENG.pdf
...but I'm not a mechanic, just a regular rider who likes to fix his own stuff.

What am I likely to be getting wrong?

[Brucey]

there are three main things that can prevent your brakes from working well

1) cables are draggy. The brake will appear to work OK but actually about half your effort is lost inside the cable.

2) brake alignment is poor; if it isn't too bad things will improve once the pads bed in. But if the caliper can't be adjusted to be aligned correctly, it may even be necessary to face the caliper mounts on the frame/fork

3) pads and/or disc are contaminated. The slightest amount of oil, wax, grease, (or even diesel from road film) can cause the brakes to be weak.

hth

cheers