Are your brakes stuck so you can't drive? When brakes get stuck or stick, there are a few things you can try to fix yourself. Checking brake pads, lubricating lever pivots, and adjusting bicycle cables can be done easily yourself. If the damage is serious, you can visit a bicycle shop, or even replace the brake system.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Basic Repair
Step 1. Make sure the brake pads are not worn
Very worn bearings will always stick, no matter how hard you try to fit them. If the width of the brake pads is less than 0.5 cm, it means that you need to replace them. Its position should be inward, which means that the front edge of the bearing should touch the wheel rim when the brake is slightly depressed.
Step 2. Check the lip on the brake pads
Some brake pads have a "lip" sticking out the side closest to the hub. If the brake pads are worn around the lip, it means the component is stuck on the rim.
Cut the brake lip. If you find the brake lip sticking out too far, slice it with a razor blade so the wheel can turn smoothly again. Be careful not to cut so much that the brake pads will no longer work
Step 3. Lubricate the lever pivot
These components are the points that become the axis of the bicycle brake system. If the brake lever feels stiff, try lubricating the "pivot" pin on the lever handle. Apply a drop of oil at each pivot point. Use a light engine oil or a special bicycle lubricant for best results. Once lubricated, the lever pivot should again feel firm and fast when pulled.
Try not to lubricate the brake pads, rotors, or rims. This move can damage the bearings and make the bike difficult to stop
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting the Cables
Step 1. Check the bicycle cables
If the bicycle lever is in good condition and the brake pads are not stuck to the wheel, the next suspect is the bicycle cable. You should be able to fix the cables yourself without the help of a mechanic. However, if you have trouble, don't hesitate to take your bike to a repair shop.
Step 2. Adjust the cable length to increase the tension
Adjusting the cable length is probably the most basic brake repair step. On a regular ontel bike, you can adjust the cord without any special tools. Simply turn the adjusting barrel until it fits at the end of the cable housing. The adjustment barrel for the V brake is normally located on the lever handle, where the housing is located.
Step 3. Lubricate the cable
Prepare a lubricant in the form of an aerosol in a tube. Then, spray oil onto the cable housing on the ferrule (the ring that strengthens the end of the handle or tube so it doesn't come loose or break): the cap where the cable enters the housing under the brake lever. Use a light engine oil with a small nozzle for "3 in 1" oil, or purchase a special brake cable oil at a bicycle shop. Spray gently; avoid getting the cable soaking wet.
WD-40 and industrial-grade degreaser products can “rinse” manufacturing lubricants from cables. When WD-40 evaporates, there is very little lubricating residue left on the cable
Step 4. Remove the hose
If the cable is still stiff, try removing it from the plastic hose. First, remove the clamp on the caliper or brake lever. Then, pull the cable out the opposite end. If you disconnect the cable, use an aerosol solvent (or even WD-40) to flush any dirt or debris from the cable hose while it is disconnecting. Apply a thin layer of lithium oil or engine oil to the cable. Finally, reinstall the cable if it is not damaged.
- Attach the cable back to its case. Run the free end of the cable through the clamp on the end where you removed it.
- Then, check "free travel": the distance the brake lever can be squeezed before the brake touches the wheel. Tighten the clamp when the brake pads are about 0.5 cm from the wheel when the lever is released.
Method 3 of 3: Advanced Repair
Step 1. Drain and replace brake fluid
This step only applies to hydraulic brake systems, then the oil will occasionally need to be drained and replaced.
- Make sure there aren't too many air bubbles in the replacement oil. If so, the brakes can feel soft.
- Never use mineral oil as brake fluid if the user manual asks you to use special DOT (Department of Transportation-approved) brake fluid. Similarly, never use DOT if the manual tells you to use mineral oil. If you got confused the last time you drained your system, this is likely the cause of the problem.
Step 2. Read the user manual for further instructions
There are several types of hydraulic systems, and each is somewhat different from the other. Read the manual for step-by-step instructions. If you can't find a user manual, try to find out exactly what type of hydraulic system you have, and find user manuals for that particular system online. If you are still having trouble, you should visit a bicycle shop.
Step 3. Adjust the bicycle calipers
The caliper is the part of the bicycle that squeezes the brake pads against the wheels. Here's how to customize it:
- Remove the brake pads, which are inside the brake calipers above the wheels. The brake pads are the small rubber parts on the underside of the calipers that actually touch the wheels.
- Adjust the brakes so that they are 3 - 5 mm away from the rim.
- Tighten the brake pads. Spin the wheel in the air and test the bicycle brakes. Adjust further if needed.
Step 4. Take the bike to a mechanic
If all else fails, you should ask a professional to repair your brakes. Find a trusted bicycle repair or mechanic in your area.
Read online repair or mechanic reviews before taking your bike there. You need to make sure that the mechanic is competent enough to repair the bike
Tips
- Find a specific guide to adjusting your bike's brakes here.
- Read How to Repair Bicycle Brakes for more information.
Warning
- Always remember to reattach the brakes immediately after reinstalling the wheels!
- Always check the brakes before driving.
