Brake pad not releasing when brake lever is released

[kjwx109]

Hello,
First time poster here. I have an ageing Apollo CX.10 hybrid bike. Whenever I stop applying the front brakes the right brake pad releases but the left one does not, such that it is left in contact with the rim. I am left putting extra effort in when cycling or physically pulling the center pull such that the left brake pad is pulled away from the rim. I have looked online and found a video that looks to adjust the centre pull by using an Allen key just above the wheel fork, however, whilst I do have such a hole above my front fork, I am of the impression that it is not linked to the centre pull.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can get the brake pad to move back into position as it is supposed to?

Cheers

 

[Ajax Bay]

Need to know what sort of brakes they are. You mention center (sic) pull but this could mean 2+ different types. We can guess but it's be quicker if you were more specific, please.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake

 

[Globalti]

Check that the brake pads haven't worn partially into an L shape and are going off the rim and sticking. If they are, you need to fit new pads and get them aligned with the braking surfaces.

 

[sidevalve]

Try this - remove cable and watch what happens. If the brake arm stays 'on' [or is 'sticky'] then it needs removing and cleaning at the pivot. If not and it springs open then clean and lube the cable. If this has come on recently it is more likely to be a dirt and cack job than a need for spring adjustment [unless the spring has broken].
PS - DO NOT be afraid of stripping it down - remember you've always got the other one to copy if you get confused.

 

[Dogtrousers]

As @sidevalve says, if the brake springs back freely when the cable is disconnected then the problem is with the cabling between lever and brake. If it doesn't it's with the brake itself. I think the CX10 has V brakes, and I'm not familiar with them.

You may also be interested in this thread. Rear Brake Issue

 

[Ajax Bay]

The CX.10 has V-brakes, as @Dogtrousers thinks.

@sidevalve 's approach has my vote. Both caliper springs on V-brakes are (essentially) the same strength so when the lever's released, if one pulls off and the other doesn't it's not (primarily) a cable issue. Take off and clean the offending caliper (then you may as well do the other one too), relube and reinstall.

Then Sheldon:
Spring Adjustment
If your wheels are centered, and your brakes are not, and, if the pivots are properly lubricated and free-moving, the brake shoes should be centered. If they are not, you probably need to adjust the spring tension on one or both of the cantilevers.
Most direct-pull cantilevers have adjustable spring tension. The adjustment will be a small screw with the head facing outward to the side of the bike. The screw is generally located near the bottom of the cantilever, below the pivot point. Sometimes it works with a Phillips screwdriver; other times, a small Allen wrench may be needed.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/canti-direct.html
In glorious technicolour.

 

[oldjontrev]

Normal on cheap brakes

 

[sidevalve]

Normal on cheap brakes

Not true - normal on any brakes if not cleaned and lubed.

 

[kjwx109]

Many thanks for all the input. Someone asked what the brakes look like. I think the attached is a fair reflection.