How to Fix Brakes on a Bike
Check the brake pads., Check the cables., Make sure the caliper moves when the cable pulls on it., Watch the caliper to make sure both sides clamp against the bike wheel.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check the brake pads.
The first thing you will need to know is if the brake pads are too worn to work effectively.
There should be at least 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of rubber (the brake pad) between the clamp and the tire when the caliper is engaged to brake the bike.
If the pads are worn out, you will need to replace them. -
Step 2: Check the cables.
Squeeze the brake handles and make sure the cable moves.
If it does not, your cable may be stuck in the cable housing, or the clamp in the handle may be loose. , Either squeeze the handle and watch the caliper close and open, or have someone else operate it while you watch.
If the cable at the brake handle moves, but the end at the caliper does not, the cable may be broken inside the cable housing, and the whole cable assembly will have to be replaced. , If one side is stuck, you may find that only one pad is engaging the wheel, and this will not give you effective braking.
You may need to loosen the bolts that hold the caliper on the bike, and work it in and out to free up the mechanism.
Some good light machine oil will help keep these moving parts lubricated. -
Step 3: Make sure the caliper moves when the cable pulls on it.
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Step 4: Watch the caliper to make sure both sides clamp against the bike wheel.
Detailed Guide
The first thing you will need to know is if the brake pads are too worn to work effectively.
There should be at least 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of rubber (the brake pad) between the clamp and the tire when the caliper is engaged to brake the bike.
If the pads are worn out, you will need to replace them.
Squeeze the brake handles and make sure the cable moves.
If it does not, your cable may be stuck in the cable housing, or the clamp in the handle may be loose. , Either squeeze the handle and watch the caliper close and open, or have someone else operate it while you watch.
If the cable at the brake handle moves, but the end at the caliper does not, the cable may be broken inside the cable housing, and the whole cable assembly will have to be replaced. , If one side is stuck, you may find that only one pad is engaging the wheel, and this will not give you effective braking.
You may need to loosen the bolts that hold the caliper on the bike, and work it in and out to free up the mechanism.
Some good light machine oil will help keep these moving parts lubricated.
About the Author
Grace Davis
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow organization tutorials.
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