Brake Arms Spring Back - Lack Of

[ak88]

Not sure if the subject sounds right but anyway - the issue is that on pressing the brakes, the feel is a bit 'soggy' and when you look at the brake arms, the springing back away from the rim is damped and slow.

Can this be fixed? Do I need to take it out and give it a good clean? Or is it time for new brakes?

 

[domtyler]

Strip down and get rid of all the gunk that has built up, regrease all parts and reassemble.

 

[Bollo]

What dom said, plus check your cable runs and housings to see if they're gummed up.

 

[summerdays]

And check to see that the actual spring isn't cracked/broken ... that happened to me.

 

[andygates]

+1 on the grotty cable runs and filthy brake. Broken springs happen, but they're rare.

If the spring is genuinely soggy, you can bend it into a tighter shape using brute force, then reassemble.

 

[ak88]

Thanks all - looks like I need to overhaul the arms - is there any substitute or is it safe to put the arms back on without any thread lock. Don't think I have time to get any today.

 

[summerdays]

Broken springs happen, but they're rare.

My second broken spring in 3 months today - at least I now have new brake sets on front and back now. (Not that I'm disagreeing with the other suggestions, just saying check the spring to exclude it as the problem).

 

[fossyant]

2 springs - rubbish brakes - hope you got a better set.

Never had that happen in 22 years of road and MTB'ing !

 

[fossyant]

Have you bought new cables and outer cables ? - They could be too tight if single pivots - you don't say if single or dual pivot ?

Easily adjusted and you don't need thread lock !

 

[ak88]

Gave the brakes a complete strip and clean. Undid the lot, dropped the bits in a tub of Viro-sol mixed with a bit of water (its fantastic strong degreaser, cheap and smells orangey!). Got rid of all the gunk, bent the springs a bit more, greased and lubed the bits and assembled back. Checked the cable outers - looks ok but sprayed some GT85 and also lubed with a few drops of oil. Couldn't really do much as the cable was widened on the bolt on bit. Brakes work a lot better now.........still needs some adjusting and it squeaks VERY loudly at the front even with minor toeing.

Thinking if the squeal continues (and it only happens on the front) - then I need to find some kool stops or take the bite and get some Swiss Stops.

 

[summerdays]

2 springs - rubbish brakes - hope you got a better set.

Never had that happen in 22 years of road and MTB'ing !

They were Tektro V-Brakes, they are now Deore.