Slack rear brake cable

mroli

Hi there - I was wondering if I could get the benefit of someone's knowledge. When I use my Force rear brake lever, the brakes do not appear to be springing all the way back resulting in a slack brake cable and an annoying rattle from the shifter.

I have had a look at the cabling and made sure it is all ok and not "pinching", the brake runs seem fine - I think the problem seems to be with the brake itself - it seems to be opening say 3/4 of the way and then "sticking".

Your assistance and wisdom gratefully received.

Cheers

M

Shaun20

It might be your brake cables need a clean/lube or replacing. Also give the brake a good clean and lube. It has probably got clogged up with road grime and dirt.

rhnb

Disconnect the cable from the brake - does it now spring out as far as you'd expect? Does it feel OK (smooth) without the cable? If so, probably a duff outer. Note that with SRAM I think they recommend you use 'ends' on all cable outers. Are those present - especially at the shifter end?

Also check that the nipple on the cable is fitted into the recess. I'm struggling for the right words here, but when you insert the cable into the barrel bit with the 'hole' in it, note that it only has a recess on one side for the nipple to sit in.
(and if you understand that I'll take my hat off to you ;-)

Monty Dog

Sounds like your caliper is 'sticky' and needs a good clean - best thing is to give it a good seeing to with a cleaner and toothbrush and spray thoroughly with GT85/WD40 - remove the wheel and press the arms together, pull them apart if necessary and keep 'working' them to see if you can feel the spring push them apart. If this doesn't work, you may have to dis-assemble the caliper, clean and grease the pivots/bearing faces and rebuild. Generally, you'll need some Loctite to hold the locking screws in place.

mroli

Thanks guys - new cables, new outers, the "nipple" in the shifter is in the right side (checked it before I put it in). I think it is going to be a problem with the (bloody) caliper....

moonshine

caliper bolt too tight?

mroli

Hurray! After going through everything suggested - taking brake cable out completely, clipping some of outers to give shorter cable run, checking and adjusting entrances and exits, lubing of cable , lubing of calipers, slacking of caliper, adjusting bolt, rethreading and resetting everything up (even changed brake pads whilst I was there) - I have success!

Thank you for comments and suggestions.