V-brake seems asymmetrical
Please do the following experiments:
Release the brake cable, pulling (1) apart from (2) (no tools needed). Swing the brake arms one at a time, making sure they have nice spring-y reaction the last 2-4 centimeters of their travel towards the rim.

If the movement feels &quot;rusty&quot; and the swingarms don't readily return, there is mud and rust inside the breaks. Replace them.


Now check if both push back with the approximately equal force, when at equal distances from the rim.

If one arm pushes back significantly more than the other, the coarse setting is wrong.

With the brake cable still disengaged, squeeze the brake lever a few times.

If there is any resistance, or if the cable looks rusty, it should be oiled/replaced.

When the brake arms are pressed against the rim, the brake shoe should rest fully against the rim (in contrast with only half the pad touching the rim or touching the tire). If this is not correct, the brake shoe can &quot;latch&quot; when pressed, sticking to the rim by friction.
Most probably the brakes and cables are rally old. You can disassemble those parts, wash them under pressure, let them dry and re-install them, or you can replace them with more modern parts.