Brake Tension with Quick Release

ianwilliams

Hello,

Every time lately I've replaced the wheel on my bike, and put the brakes back in place, the tension on the rear brake has changed.

This time, the rear brake is now permanently braking - and I can't spin the rear wheel without releasing the brake cable from its quick release 'housing' (whatever you call it - that mechanism above the wheel).

Any idea what is causing this and how I can fix it? Is it simply a case of loosening the two pads using the tiny phillips screws on their sides until there is space for the wheel to spin? The brake cable itself feels very tight to get back in its quick release housing now.

Thanks

sungod

there's usually a barrel adjuster on the caliper where the cable enters, this is used to adjust tension, but it doesn't sound like that's the real problem

if you've not got that style of brakes, which is possible from your description, the adjustment will differ

things to check...

cable/housing corroded or gunked up
calipers gunked up or return spring broken

could be a combination of two or more of these

undo the cable, if the calipers then open/close freely you've narrowed it down to cable/outer

also, have a look here for info on your specific style of brakes...

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... and-repair

desweller

Sounds like the brake is not returning properly. Have you been riding wet roads without mudguards?

1. Check that the brake has not seized by releasing the cable from the clamp and checking that the caliper returns smoothly to its fully open position.
2. Check that the cables are not binding in their housings.
3. Check that the brake cable is not fraying within the shifter.

ianwilliams

Hi chaps

Thanks for all your help. Looks like I have cantilever brakes. Far as I can tell I appear to have fixed it without having to do anything too complex, but I suspect I might have just bodged it and will have to have a more comprehensive look.

Cheers.