Rear caliper brake sticking - FIXED

deadlegs
deadlegs Posts: 56
edited April 2011 in Workshop
Hello, my rear caliper brake is not releasing properly when pulled. It is a dual pivot - I think specialized superlight. Came with allez elite 2009, rest is 105 spec.

It is not the cable as same thing happens when cable disconnected. I have tried covering pivots in degreaser & chain cleaner.

FYI spring is a little rusty.

Any tips on how to fix this?

Had disappointing TT result this week - then noticed brake had been on whole time!!

Cheers
Summer: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 2019
Winter/Commuter: Planet X RT-58 6700
Dead: Specialized Allez Elite 2009

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Strip the caliper down completely and clean thoroughly. Lightly grease the pivot bolts on reassembly, and don't tighten them up too much. Wouldn't hurt to clean up the spring with a bit of metal polish, but that won't be the cause of the sticking. (Unless of course it's not seated properly)

    On some Shimano calipers there's a plastic insert at one end of the spring which can be flipped over to increase spring tension. Not sure if you'll have this option though.

    If none of that works, look for some 105 calipers on Ebay!
  • deadlegs
    deadlegs Posts: 56
    Thanks for the reply.

    Are they easy to reassemble? Don't want any leftover parts like with ikea!
    Summer: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 2019
    Winter/Commuter: Planet X RT-58 6700
    Dead: Specialized Allez Elite 2009
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Just make a note of where any washers / spacers are when dismantling, and put them back in the same order.

    A brake caliper is a pretty simple thing; it's not like you're taking a Rolex to bits :lol:
  • Twostage
    Twostage Posts: 987
    If you are wary of taking it apart I just gave mine a good oiling when mine were sticking. There's a bit where the spring goes through a hole that was caked with gunge and needed picking out. No bother afterwards.

    I kept mine with the pads upwards to make sure the oil didn't run onto them but you could always just take the pads off to be safe.
  • deadlegs
    deadlegs Posts: 56
    Took it to bits last night & gave everything a good clean & grease.

    Bit fiddly to put back together but no bits leftover!

    50mile club run today no sticky brake :) thanks for the tips.
    Summer: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 2019
    Winter/Commuter: Planet X RT-58 6700
    Dead: Specialized Allez Elite 2009