Brakes not releasing

[Eoin Rua]

So I'm still (shamefully) a DIY noob...been trying to adjust my rear rakes as I noticed yesterday they were rubbing slightly against the rim, but now when the brake is applied it doesn't release thus clamping the rear wheel which as you can imagine is a bit of an inconvenience...any remedies for this?

edit: there is a lot of movement in the doofer that clamps the cable, the tab you would flick up to release the brakes to remove the wheel, so when the brakes are applied that pulls the cable as normal, but when they are released there is no tension on the cable to release the breaks...hope that makes sense!

 

[tyred]

You may have the cable too tight or it may be sticking or damaged.

Is it both pads or just one? If these are older single pivot type brakes, one pad dragging is a common complaint. The caliper may need to be re-centred or the caliper stripped down and cleaned and re-lubed.

Also ensure the wheel is sitting square in the drop outs.

 

[2Loose]

Check the cable outers for a kink which would stop the cable returning freely...also give them a lube just in case.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Have the brake blocks worn and have a lip which is grabbibg the rim? Sounds like you need to adjust the cables too. New cables only cost £6 each (inner and outer) per brake, with winter coming it won't do any harm.

 

[Ian H]

Probably cables corroded. If they're any age you'll be best to replace inner and outer.

 

[Banjo]

If your checking the bike suspended on a wall rack the cable may be pinched between top tube and rack. (Fooled me once)

If not try diconnecting the cable completely, if the caliper then springs back open on its own you know the cable is to blame.

 

[cyberknight]

Corroded cable gets my vote as well, i had exactly the same problem will i replaced mine and now it works perfectly again.

 

[swee'pea99]

Replacement will work, but as often as not, dribbling oil down the cable housing (while working the brakes to help its passage) will work just as well - and it's cheaper, and more environmentally sound!