Front Brake Shudder

Vélo

My front brake has recently started to shudder when pulled.

I tried fixing it by tightening screws and the bolt at the back but then I found it wasn't working properly, so put it back the way it was.

I'd rather try fix this myself than have to bring it in to a shop, has anyone any suggestions?

I'm sure it's something simple that I'm missing.

Tenzor07

Loose headset

braking surface worn etc..

smacl

If the brake surface isn't properly aligned when fitted, it can form a lip on the section where it slightly misses the rim. As it wears further, it will shudder as this lip hits the rim. If this is the case, take the pad off, file it down slightly, and replace it properly. Can also happen where there's a groove in the rim, and the brake pad surfaces gets shaped to follow the groove.

Vélo

I'll have a look at the pads later. The headset is fine, at least it is, so I'll check that also.

Cheers.

Tenzor07

a bit of sandpaper on the braking surface and clean the brake pads .... upgrade to discs...

CardinalJ

Buckled wheel?

paddie9

I recently came across a problem where each side of the brake had become misallign. One side was 1/2 inch ahead of the other. This caused a shudder followed by a sudden lock up of the wheel when the force caused the brake to come back in to line.
Only seen it once don't think there's anyway to fix.

Konkers

Loose headset is right.
If u don't know how to tighten it, bring it in to ur lbs and a mechanic will tighten it in 5 mins. If they're sound they shouldn't charge.
May happen again so just get him / her (pc) to explain as they go along.

Buzwaldo

What kind of bike is it? My first bike was a specialized tricross, did this a bit, and on research found it was a bit of a problem with this bike. Something to do with the length of cable from fixed point to the brakes, the headset flexing when brakes pulled, changing the tension on the brake cable, and started a 'resonance' I think. (Long time since I did my leaving cert physics). Not a standard roadbike, and had different type of brakes (more technical-minded can say what brakes they were)

FISMA

Vélo wrote: »

My front brake has recently started to shudder when pulled.
I tried fixing it by tightening screws and the bolt at the back but then I found it wasn't working properly, so put it back the way it was.
I'd rather try fix this myself than have to bring it in to a shop, has anyone any suggestions?
I'm sure it's something simple that I'm missing.

Velo,
The front wheel is not an area to be taken lightly. Too much of your stability and breaking ability comes from the front wheel. If you are in any way unsure, let the pro's have a look.

What kind of frame, fork, headset, wheel, and modifications have you done?

Is the suddering only when braking or is it there when there's no load on the brakes?

Doubtful, but does the shuddering depend upon the rotation of the wheels? I once had rims that developed a pulse on braking. The cause were rims that were pinned at the connection point. The pins created a more rigid spot along the rim than usual which translated to a greater braking force at that point - pulsing.

C3PO

Buzwaldo wrote: »

What kind of bike is it? My first bike was a specialized tricross, did this a bit, and on research found it was a bit of a problem with this bike. Something to do with the length of cable from fixed point to the brakes, the headset flexing when brakes pulled, changing the tension on the brake cable, and started a 'resonance' I think. (Long time since I did my leaving cert physics). Not a standard roadbike, and had different type of brakes (more technical-minded can say what brakes they were)

Yep - common enough problem on Cross bikes with Canti brakes! My Focus CX3 suffered from a mad shuddering front brake thing on very steep descents ..... scared the ****e out of me! Could be adjusted out of it for a spin or two by toeing in the brake blocks but it would soon be back as bad as ever! Eventually I just gave up and just use the bike for racing ..... I'm never going too fast in a Cross race!

blorg

It's an issue with almost all cross bikes. Worst with canti brakes and a carbon fork but present on other configurations. You get used to it, it's at the stage where it really doesn't bother me any more. Generally happens more at slower speeds.

Flandria

Shudder with cantis can be reduced by adjusting the pad angle so the front of the pad hits the rim first, this is called 'toeing in'. Park Tools explain it much better than I can but it definitely works...

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/cantilever-brake-service

blorg

Reduced