Brake Problem

CatFromHue

Hi, just looking for a bit of advice.

How do you know when it's a good time to change your brake cables?

When I'm on the flat and not going fast or just testing them while stationary they're grand. When I'm going fast or downhill though they just slow me down a bit and don't stop me, no matter how hard I pull the lever.

The bike has taken a bit of punishment over the years, it's been in storage for a year or so until relatively recently as I was away, but is still in fine working order. Except for the brake problem that is.

I changed the pads as they looked worn but that hasn't done much, nor has tightening the cable either.

That's why I think the cable might need replacing.

It's a mountain bike by the way.

SweetCaliber

CatFromHue wrote: »

Hi, just looking for a bit of advice.

How do you know when it's a good time to change your brake cables?

When I'm on the flat and not going fast or just testing them while stationary they're grand. When I'm going fast or downhill though they just slow me down a bit and don't stop me, no matter how hard I pull the lever.

The bike has taken a bit of punishment over the years, it's been in storage for a year or so until relatively recently as I was away, but is still in fine working order. Except for the brake problem that is.

I changed the pads as they looked worn but that hasn't done much, nor has tightening the cable either.

That's why I think the cable might need replacing.

It's a mountain bike by the way.

What type of brakes do you have? V brakes or Disc brakes?

It might not be the cable, if you pull in on it are the brakes moving?

Could be that they aren't adjusted properly.

CatFromHue

They're V breaks.

Yeah when I pull on it they move.

When you turn the bike upside down, spin the wheel, and test the brakes then they work fine.

IM0

sounds like you need to take some slack out of the cable so that you start breaking much sooner when you pull the lever

SweetCaliber

IM0 wrote: »

sounds like you need to take some slack out of the cable so that you start breaking much sooner when you pull the lever

Yeah sounds like your brakes are too soft.

Try adjusting using the adjustment screw first if not on the v brakes the nut holding in the cable, loosen it squeeze your brakes but only leave a small gap between the pads and the rim then tighten the nut again.

See how that goes for you

CatFromHue

Yup did that too.

The brakes engage at about 1/4 the travel of the lever.

SweetCaliber

CatFromHue wrote: »

Yup did that too.

The brakes engage at about 1/4 the travel of the lever.

Did you remove the cable from the bike and the sleeves and see if its frayed anywhere?

CatFromHue

No not yet.

I'll give it a look tomorrow.

SweetCaliber

CatFromHue wrote: »

No not yet.

I'll give it a look tomorrow.

No problem, let us know how you get on

CatFromHue

Ah sure I'll be easy to spot on the roads.

I'll be the guy on the bike shouting "I can't stop, I got bad advice on the internet!!!"

:pac::pac:

Darkglasses

Have you given the braking surface on the rim a good clean?

Coronal

What kind of brakes and levers do you have, as in, do they have many/any plastic components. Flex in the brake arms, or the levers could cause something like this.

SweetCaliber

CatFromHue wrote: »

Ah sure I'll be easy to spot on the roads.

I'll be the guy on the bike shouting "I can't stop, I got bad advice on the internet!!!"

:pac::pac:

Shouldn't be on the road if your brakes aren't working Should always check them before you set off

Any update on this? Did you get it sorted?