Are your bike's brakes stuck and you can't ride it? When brakes rub or stick there are a few things you can try to fix them. Checking the brake pads, lubricating the lever, and adjusting the cables are simple things you can do on your own. If the damage is more serious, you may need to go to a bike shop or even have the brake system replaced.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Try Basic Solutions
Step 1. Make sure the brake pads are not worn
Overly worn ear pads will stick no matter how hard you adjust them. If these are less than 1/4 inch thick, you will need to replace them. They should be "pointed", which means that the front edge of the pads should first touch the rim when you lightly press the brakes.
Step 2. Check to see if the brake pad has a lip
Some pads have a protruding "edge" on the side closest to the shaft. This is caused by uneven wear and you will need to file or sand it down if there is that edge. If you've worn the pads around the edge, they may get stuck in the rim.
Sand or file the edge. If you notice that the rim is too sharp, file or sand it down so the wheel can roll smoothly. Be careful not to sand too much that the pads no longer work! You may have to remove the tire to do this
Step 3. Lubricate the handles
These are the points around which the individual parts of the brake rotate. If the handle feels stiff, try greasing the "handle" pins on the handle. Put a small amount of oil on each point of the lever. Use a mild machine oil or special bicycle lubricant for best results. After greasing the levers, they should feel efficient and fast when you actuate them.
Don't use lubricant on the brake pads, rotors, or tires. This could ruin the pads and make braking difficult
Method 2 of 3: Adjust the Cables
Step 1. Check the cables and replace them if necessary
Look for a cracked cover and corroded cables and replace them if necessary. If the levers are okay and the pads are not stuck on the wheel, then the cables are likely the problem. You should be able to fix them by hand without consulting the mechanic. However, if you find it difficult, do not hesitate to take the bike to a workshop.
Cracked covers and corroded cables are common when you have stuck brakes
Step 2. Adjust the length of the cables to increase the tension
Adjusting the cable length is perhaps the most basic brake repair task you will ever experience. On a normal safety bike, you can make fine adjustments without the need for special tools. Simply turn a barrel adjuster to make the best arrangement at the end of the cable length. The barrel adjuster for a V-brake is normally located on the hand lever, where the cover comes out of.
Step 3. Lubricate the cables
Get lube in a spray can with a tube. Next, you spray the oil on the cable cover at the bushing - the cap where the cable enters the cover under the brake lever. Use a mild machine oil with a small nozzle similar to "3 in 1" oil, or purchase a special brake cable oil from a bicycle shop. Spray carefully and don't over-saturate the wires.
WD-40 lubricant and other industrial grade degreasers may "wash" the factory lubricant from the cable. When the WD-40 lubricant evaporates, little lubricant residue will remain on the cable
Step 4. Remove the tube
If the wire is still stiff, try pulling it out of its plastic tube. First, remove the clamp from the caliper or brake lever. Then, pull the wire to the opposite end. If you remove the cable, use a spray solvent (or even WD-40 lubricant) to wash dirt or debris from the cable tube while the cable is outside. Apply a light coat of lithium grease or machine oil to the cable. Finally, reinstall the cable if it is not damaged.
- Put the cables back in the cover. Pass the loose end of the cable through the clamp on the end where you removed it.
- Next, check "free travel" - the distance you can squeeze the lever before the brake touches the rim. Tighten the clamp until the brake pads are 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from the rim with the lever released.
Method 3 of 3: Use Advanced Solutions
Step 1. Take out and replace the brake fluid
If possible, check the manufacturer's instructions and any video tutorials you can find to make sure you get the right type of bleed kit for your bike. This only applies to hydraulic brake systems. If you have hydraulic brakes, the fluid may need to be removed and replaced occasionally.
- Make sure you don't blow a lot of air bubbles in the replacement fluid. This can cause the brakes to feel soft.
- Never use mineral oil as brake fluid if the owner's manual specifies DOT (Department of Transportation approved brake fluid). Likewise, never use DOT if the manual tells you to use mineral oil. If you mixed the fluids the last time you bled the system, that may be the problem.
- Avoid putting oil or DOT fluid on the brake pads as it will ruin them.
Step 2. Consult the user manual for specific instructions
There are several types of hydraulic systems and each one is a little different. Look in the manual for step-by-step instructions. If you can't access the manual, try to figure out exactly what type of hydraulic system you have, and then look online for instructions for that specific system. If you're still having trouble, consider going to a bike shop.
Step 3. Adjust the calipers for the rim brakes
These are part of the bike that actually squeeze the pads to the wheel on the brakes. Here's how to adjust them:
- Unscrew the brake pads, located inside the brake calipers above the rims. The brake pad is the small piece of rubber at the bottom of the caliper that touches the wheel.
- Adjust the brake so that there is 3-5mm of the rim.
- Squeeze the brake pad. Spin the wheel in the air and test the brakes. Adjust more as needed.
Step 4. Take the bike to the mechanic
If all else fails, it may be more efficient to have a professional fix your brakes. Find a reputable bike shop or mechanic in your area.
Read the reviews of the online workshops before you go. You should be able to get a good idea of whether the mechanics at that location are useful
Advice
- Visit repairing bicycle brakes for more help.
- Find more specific instructions for adjusting your bike's brakes here.
Warnings
- Remember to always engage the brakes immediately after reinstalling the rim!
- Check the brakes before you go out.