Brake levers not returning

[Andrew_Culture]

On my all weather beater singlespeed the old weinman brake levers no longer return to their default position after being used (but the brakes do disengage). I would usually assume the cables need replacing but these cables are only a few months old.

Would it be worth pulling the cables out of the inners and greasing them?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Isolate all three possible problems. Brake itself, which you say is OK. Cable, detach to see that it moves freely? Lever, is it doing its bit to pull the cable back?

What does the lever do to pull back? I don't think it's sprung

 

[fossyant]

Older levers dont have a return spring as the calliper had a stronger spring. Id check the cables run freely first.

 

[byegad]

Two possibilities.
1. I assume you've looked at the return springs on the brakes, they do age.
2, Cold mornings and thick oil in the cables can cause this too. I'd flush the outers out with GT85 and fit new inners and if that doesn't work replace the outers.
These two items are really the most likely source of your woes.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Thanks all. I think the cables might run a bit tight.

 

[cyberknight]

Older levers dont have a return spring as the calliper had a stronger spring. Id check the cables run freely first.

This is my usual issue as well especially in winter as the back brake particularly can get gunk in the cable and is can stick on .

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I just bought cheapo Clark cables but surely they should be good for more than a couple of months. I'll grease 'em.