Brake Sticking

[joebeaven]

Hi,

I just got a new (second hand) bike. When I put the front brake on and let it off again, the left brake pad sticks on the wheel. I assume this is due to a spring being missing. Could someone please tell me how to replace the spring as I tried undoing the Philips head and Allen key head screws on the brake and nothing happened.

Here's a picture of the brake on my new bike: New Bike Brake

Here's a picture of the brake from my old bike from which I would like to take the spring if possible: Old Bike Brake

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Joe

 

[mickle]

Joe, the chances of the springs being compatible are close to zero.

Try bending the spring a bit, it's what we used to do to balance brakes before the advent of adjuster screws.

 

[montage]

One thing to do is to cover the brake in lube (obviously not the pads) ..preferably use the spraying varient. Get it into all the cracks and crevasses on the brake

Edit: sorry just saw the picture....not sure what to do with that kind of brake ... maybe just try lubing it up anyway :s

 

[Sittingduck]

I think you need to tighten the little philips head screw (on the right hand side of your pic) not losten it. That should increase the tension in the spring.

You may have already tried this though.

Cheers,
SD

 

[gbb]

Hi Joe. This may solve your problem, but its not a bad thing to do once a year anyway...and its moderatley easy to do.

(Ive indicated the bolt you need to undo).
Release the brake cables and see if the brake arm pivots easily. It may be stiff, causing your problem.
At the rear of the arm, you'll see the spring goes into one of three holes. Note which hole it goes into.
Undothe bolt ive arrowed, remove the brake arm and clean and lubricate the boss and inside of the arm with some grease or oil. Slide it back onto its boss, make sure its pivoting freely, then tighten the bolt...making sure the spring is located in the correct hole/

Ideally, do both arms. It only takes 10 minutes. It has solved a similar problem on my bike. There are no hidden or intricate parts, it really is quite easy.

 

[spandex]

Where do you live Joe?

 

[fossyant]

Assuming the callipers move OK - then check the adjuster screw - either one, or two on each pair..... quite often just one... i.e. the screw above GBB's arrow....

 

[bonj2]

can't you transplant the whole brake from the bike with the working one to replace the problematic one?

 

[joebeaven]

Thanks for all the replies. I've tried tightening the adjuster screw, but it didn't help. I also tried oiling the brake thoroughly with spray lubricant and removing the allen head bolt and oiling inside. Unfortunately none of these things helped.

I unhooked the arms and the problematic one seemed to have good tension until it was very close to the wheel and then the tension seemed to suddenly reduce. I don't know what would cause that. I tried adjusting the brake pad numerous times, but I couldn't position it so that the problem didn't happen.

I don't really want to use the brake from the old bike because it's old and pretty rusty.

I live in Worcester.

 

[Sittingduck]

Sounds like you might need to get a new brake set then. Can be had for a few quid - something like this?

 

[grhm]

You could try taking it to a local bike shop (LBS), they ought to be able to spot what the problem is and either fix or advise on a replacement.

If you're in Worcester, I'd suggest Peddlers on Barbourne Street. I've found them more helpful than Worcester Cycle Center (down by the Vue) - but a friend swears by WCC, so YMMV

 

[gbb]

Thanks for all the replies. I've tried tightening the adjuster screw, but it didn't help. I also tried oiling the brake thoroughly with spray lubricant and removing the allen head bolt and oiling inside. Unfortunately none of these things helped.

I unhooked the arms and the problematic one seemed to have good tension until it was very close to the wheel and then the tension seemed to suddenly reduce. I don't know what would cause that. I tried adjusting the brake pad numerous times, but I couldn't position it so that the problem didn't happen.

I don't really want to use the brake from the old bike because it's old and pretty rusty.

I live in Worcester.

If yours are the same as 'normal' bikes, remember there are 3 holes to locate the spring on the boss...if you insert the spring into the next hole, it will give progressively more tension. (assuming its not on the last hole anyway).
Your spring could be weakened, so it can help, but probably not a long term fix.

 

[joebeaven]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll wait until my Dad gets back off holiday and ask him as he knows quite a bit about bikes. If it's still not working, I'll go down to the bike shop as suggested.