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Trouble Shooting Tips For Brakes
Problem: There is insufficient brake power/cable
pull.
Solution: Try adjusting the cable. Also,
the quick-release may need resetting. Check to see if the
brake pads are worn. There may be oil on the rim. The cable
could be corroded or in need of lubrication. Check to see
if the brake lever mounting-clamp is loose.
Problem: The brakes lose power quickly.
Solution: The cable anchor bolt could be
too tight. The brake pads could be loose. The cable housing
could be missing endcaps.
Problem: The brakes do not release properly.
Solution: The pivot bolts could be too
tight. The cable could be corroded or in need of lubrication.
The brake pads position could be incorrect. The spring tension
on the brake could be incorrect.
Problem: The brakes are noisy/squeal.
Solution: The brake pads could be old and
hard and need replacing. The brake pads need to be “toed
in.” The rim might need to be cleaned.
Problem: The brakes chatter/grab.
Solution: The brake pads need “toeing
in.” The rim is bent or dented. The brake pivots are
too loose. The headset bearings are loose.
Problem: The brakes are stiff to apply.
Solution: The cable could be corroded or
not properly lubricated. The cable routing could be too
short or too long. The spring tension of the cantilever
brakes could be set incorrectly.
Problem: The brake levers creak in use.
Solution: Try spraying the mountings and
the pivots with a thin lubricant.
Problem: You have poor braking in the
rain.
Solution: You may need to install better
brake pads. If the problem persists, you may need to install
alloy rims.
References
1. Langley, Jim. Bicycling Magazine’s Complete
Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair or Road and Mountain
Bikes. Emmaus: Pennsylvania. 1999.
2. Milson, Fred. The Bike Book: Complete Step-By-Step
Guide to Choosing, Maintaining, and Repairing Your Bicycle.
Des Moines: Iowa. 1995.
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