Brakes
Brakes are a very simply mechanism yet there can be so much that goes wrong. How can we figure out what is wrong? We must use our critical thinking skills and understanding of how a brake works to test and try until we figure out what is wrong. With our basic knowledge we can apply these steps to almost any brake and be able to figure out some way to fix it.
A brake works when you pull the cable. The cable is contacted to a pair of swing arms attached to two springs (the springs are what allow the brake to return to its starting position). These arms have pads on them that then contact the rim and create friction. This friction is what slows, or brakes, the wheel.
Assessment of a brake is very simple. Some might even say fun. Spin the wheel of the brake in question and pull the lever. Do these repeated times. Feel for stickyness in the brake, if the caliper and/or the lever return to their starting position rapidly and cleanly. Look at the brake pads. Are they contacting the rim when you squeeze the lever? Are they contacting at the same time? Do the brakes squeak? When you are riding the bike do the brakes seem inefficient like they are not doing their job? Do the brakes contact the rim when the lever is halfway from the starting position to the bar?
Once these questions have been answered you can now take the necessary steps to remedy the problem.
If the brakes are sticky meaning they do not return to their original position here are some possible solutions:
- Check the cable and housing if they seem dry or dirty apply some lube and rub the cable off. Make sure to apply a few extra drops where the cable enters and exits the housing.
- If the cable looks rusty it probably needs to be replaced.
- Sometimes the housing pops off of the housing holder on the frame. Simply put the housing back through the holder.
- Check the brake itself. One of the springs could have come loose and/or is not working. This will require you to either put the spring back on or replace the spring/caliper.
- Check to see if there is a lot of gunk around the brake. Sometimes a good old cleaning can do miracles
If the pads are not contacting the rim here are some ways you can fix them:
- Loosen the screw holding the pads in place and align them with the rim. This might take a few tries. Make sure not only is the pad horizontally level with the rim but depth wise too.
- Are the pads dry? Sometimes dry pads could lead to poor braking and squeaky braking. Attempting to sand the pad could rough up the surface but if this does not work, replace the pad.
- Check to see if the pads are contacting the rim at about the same time. If this is not happening adjust the tension spring until proper contact time is achieved.
If the brakes do not seem very efficient check some of these for reasons why:
- The brakes exhibit the above problems.
- Sometimes the type of pad makes a world of difference. A new pad for the purpose does miracles when it comes to braking efficiency.
- Some brakes just do not work. Make sure to notify the owner of the bicycle of their possibly problematic equipment.
If the brakes do not contact the rim when the lever is halfway from the starting position to the bar then look at these:
ยท There might not be enough cable tension. Make sure the barrel adjuster is tightened all the way. Loosen the cable bolt on the brake. Take in about a half centimeter of cable. Retighten and check brake. Continue until desired effect is reached. If this does not work. The lever and brake might be incompatible.
Sometimes even the most basic problems have strenuous solutions. Do not be afraid to experiment and try different solutions. Once finished always ask a more experienced work hand whether the job has been done completely and properly. Above all have confidence in your assessment.
