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Dynafit Backcountry Skiing Binding
Brake Install and Uninstall

Dynafit backcountry skiing bindings are a favorite, but removing and installing the brakes can sometimes be confusing. Follow along and you'll be an ace in no time.

by Louis Dawson

(Note, this how-to covers the Dynafit Comfort, Vertical and Radical FT and ST bindings. TLT (Speed) brakes are installed by simply screwing them on to the binding baseplate, and are discontinued.)
 

 
Dynafit Comfort backcountry skiing binding parts.

We'll describe this as if installing brakes. Removal is reverse of the procedure. Bindings here are pictured unmounted -- while mounting bindings you DO NOT want your brakes installed, so do this procedure AFTER mounting your bindings.

Parts pictured above include the Comfort heel unit to right, the all important retainer clip in the middle, and brake to the left.
 

You only need a few tools for Dynafit backcountry skiing binding brake install and uninstall: a wide bladed screw driver, and a right angle pick. Sometimes you can forego the pick, more on that below.
 
First step is to remove upper heel unit from base plate. Do so by backing the release barrel all the way out, then removing the internal springs and thimble bushing. NOTE: If you bought the brakes separate from the bindings, you will notice that a set of black springs comes with the brakes, these springs are one release value (RV) number softer than the stock springs, to compensate for release and resistance friction that the brake adds to the system. You don't have to use the black springs if you simply set your RV one number lower. But if you set your RV by the numbers and not by experimentation, it's recommended that you swap in the black springs so you won't get fooled and end up with a higher DIN setting than you think.
 
Barrel and springs removed from Dynafit Radical or Comfort backcountry skiing bindind heel unit, thimble bushing is still inside.
 
You'll find the plastic thimble bushing inside the cavity where the springs were. Back it out using your right angle pick. Sometimes you can get the thimble bushing out by pulling it with a finger, but using the pick is easier. You can leave the thimble bushing in the bore if it's backed out a centimeter or so.
 
Dynafit Comfort Binding parts

With the thimble bushing out, you can lift the upper heel unit off the base plate and post. Now you've got a pile of parts. Keep them organized.

NOTE for Radical series bindings: When you pull the heel unit up and off, you'll expose the "stop pin" that prevents rotation in the wrong direction. This pin may pop out and suffer loss due to it being under spring tension. To prevent the pin from flying, keep your fingers over it as you slowly raise the heel unit off the center spindle post.
 

Slide Dynafit Brake on to base plate.
Slide the brake on the base plate. Flanges on the plate fit in grooves on the bottom of the plate, while the arms shown above eventually clip around the post.
After sliding the brake on, the arms will engage notches in the post, as shown above. If you have trouble sliding the brake on to the plate, look for obstruction (such as glue globs) in the groove on the underside of the plate.
Next, install the retainer clip as shown. The arms of the retainer clip have to fit on the OUTSIDE of the brake arms. This holds them so they can't expand outwards and let the brake come off. Be aware of the front and rear of the binding - the clip goes around the FRONT of the post, as shown.
 

To remove the brake, disassemble the binding as described above, and remove the retainer clip. While pulling the brake away from the center post, work the retainer arms out of the notches, as shown above.

When reassembling the Dynafit Radical or Comfort backcountry skiing binding, be sure the thimble bushing is greased and inserted all the way in, insert the springs, then take care not to cross-thread the barrel when you thread it in. Set your DIN, and off you go for fun powerful parallel turns on the technical marvel of the age.

 

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