Quick Release Brake Buggered

amc
amc Posts: 315
edited December 2008 in Workshop
The quick release brake mechanism on my left Campag brake lever (ie works on the rear wheel) is stuck.
A tiny piece of the metal on the little button which releases the brake seems to be missing and despite my best efforts - and more imp those of the LBS - i cannot shift it.
LBS reckons i'll need a new Campag Mirage 9-speed lever which is going to be around £100 through them.
I've had the levers for around seven years so i cannot really complain and ultimately i'd like to upgrade etc but what with not having any money i guess i'll have to get it done. UNLESS - any of you clever people can think of an alternative way?
amc

Comments

  • bill57
    bill57 Posts: 454
    They're having a laugh, yes? First step is find a new LBS, because you're just being ripped off. A two minute glance at Ebay shows a Xenon left hand shifter, no bids, £15, or a pair of new Mirage ones for £66.95.
    Ribble currently have Xenon at £44, Mirage at £64, and Veloce at £94.

    I thought everybody on this forum ranted on about how Campagnolo levers are completely rebuildable?
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    The quick release brake mechanism on my left Campag brake lever (ie works on the rear wheel) is stuck.
    A tiny piece of the metal on the little button which releases the brake seems to be missing and despite my best efforts - and more imp those of the LBS - i cannot shift it.

    I don't understand what you mean????????.

    Take a hammer and a piece of wood and bang it out. It is only in a plastic holder.
  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    1 - Go shopping on eBay. People sometimes trash one lever and replace them as a pair then sell the working lever on its own. Then fit the lever yourself. It's not difficult.
    2 - Check the ads in this site or on www.ctc.org.uk.
    3 - Change your Campag brake for a Shimano brake as they have the QR on the brake so no need to use the one on the lever.
  • amc
    amc Posts: 315
    Thanks everyone - all good ideas.
    To be fair to the LBS they usual match whatever i can find from the net so i'm sure they would match the Ribble price - unless i find a cheaper one on ebay.
    But i'll try a piece of wood and hammer first.
    amc
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Unless I'm reading this wrong, but the brake release is a sliding metal pin and a plastic bush. They can get a little-gummed up - apply some anti-seize and a tap with nail punch should get it moving. If necessary, drive out the pin that holds the lever to the body to get better access to the pin.

    I expect your LBS is used to dealing with Shimano kit where spares are limited and the mereset inclination of user-serviceability is to throw it away and buy a new one!
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • amc
    amc Posts: 315
    Thanks everyone - gave it a little tap with wood and hammer and Bob's your uncle. Must have been very easy if i could manage it so a bit of shame the Shimano-baised LBS couldn't.
    Still save myself a few quid so it's a Merry Christmas - and same to you lot.
    amc
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    amc wrote:
    Thanks everyone - gave it a little tap with wood and hammer and Bob's your uncle. Must have been very easy if i could manage it so a bit of shame the Shimano-baised LBS couldn't.
    Still save myself a few quid so it's a Merry Christmas - and same to you lot.
    Persussion maintainance. It's the only way.

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