Noobish brake question

TimesLikeThese

Sorry if its too easy for you guys but I'm stuck so would appreciate any help.

I've got some promax V brakes. What I'm stuck on is when I press the brakes on either front or back and then release, the brakes dont fully come away from the rim unless I pull them apart manually. Is there something I can do to make them spring open again?

Thanks

alfablue

Assuming the springs are in place on the brake arms, it is most likely gunked up cables and outers. You can try cleaning and lubing them, though improvements are usually short lived and a new set of cables may be in order.

nicklouse

sounds like dirty/rusty cable.

clean and lube or replace.

TimesLikeThese

Thanks for the fast responses.
I gave the bike a good clean and lube at the weekend so new cables I guess.

How long are cables supposed to last?
I rode it a couple of times a week for a year and I've just pulled it out of the garage after a 4 year break. So other than tighten up the brakes (last week) and to clean and lube it after every ride, I've never done anything to it.

nicklouse

normally a year. if lucky. some times longer some times less.

TimesLikeThese

Actually - it looks like you were right about the dirt. I've just taken apart the mechanism that was holding the v brake system to the frame and there was a load of gunk in between all the parts that the regular surface washing obviously never got into.

So far I've cleaned and lubed the back brakes and they are springing back perfectly now. I've also checked the cables and theres no sign of rusting or fraying, so hopefully that should do me for a while longer.

Thanks again

My next ride is going to be amazing now without having the brakes always on!