Rear Brake

Jordan93
Jordan93 Posts: 336
edited June 2010 in Road beginners
My rear brake cable is slack, I've pulled more cable through and then tightened the nut. But i get back a tight cable but then when i pull the lever it makes a snapping noise and one brake pad sticks to the rim and doesnt spring back. After the snapping noise/feeling the cable goes slack again

any help appreciated

Comments

  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Sounds like the rear brake itself is foobarred - the snapping noise will probably be the spring popping out of place.

    It may be worth removing the rear brake unit, stripping & reassembling. Or go shopping. :wink:
    Cycling weakly
  • Jordan93
    Jordan93 Posts: 336
    Will any brakes fit the bike? There's a set of front and rear shimanos for 10 pund
  • pitchshifter
    pitchshifter Posts: 1,476
    Its probably just full of crap and sticking. Take the brake off remove the brake pads and attack it with WD40 until its running smoothly. Simples.

    Should this fail. Only then bow down and buy some new fancy brakes (which will do the same eventually if not cleaned)..
  • CiB
    CiB Posts: 6,098
    Cut to the chase. If it's making a snapping noise and the cable goes slack, then either the cable isn't being held in place by the clamp, or more likely the nipple at the brake lever end isn't fully recessed when you tighten the clamp but then drops into place under the tension of the brakes being pulled on.

    [Edit] The same effect can be caused by the outer cable ends not being seated properly in their locations, or possibly because the threaded adjuster (brake or barrel) has worn and slips under tension.[/Edit]

    Best course of action is to remove the cable completely and inspect for any damage, particulalrly frayed strands at the nipple end. Assuming it's ok give it a good clean [WD40 will do] then wipe it with an oily tissue or rag. Otherwise buy a new cable.

    Drip some oil down the cable outers whilst you're at it, then remove the brake assembly and give it a thorough clean, checking that it all looks ok. Oil the moving parts, clean the brake surfaces. Check that when you squeeze it in your hands it closes & opens freely.

    Reassemble, being careful to get it centred properly and with enough adjustment to allow it to be tight enough without touching on the rim when not applied.

    Brakes aren't rocket science. If everything is clean, properly oiled and adjusted they work pretty well.

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