Cross threaded barrel adjuster.

[Sara_H]

Why did I even bother? Every time I try to adjust brakes it ends in disaster.

I tried adjusting the brakes on my Dawes Mohave. It was very stiff, nothing like the barrel adjustment video I watched on youtube. Maybe this should have been my first warning.

I undid the barrel adjuster too far and it popped out. Now it wont go in. I've squited some wd40 on it. I've tried and tried and now my finger tips are sore.

Any tips? Apart from "Stop trying to adjust your brakes and then running to us for help." I've currently got three bikes I can't ride, five if ypou include my sons, all because I can't adjust brakes.

 

[Pale Rider]

You may be able to see the thread damage on the barrel.

If so, you may be able to sort it with a metal nail file.

 

[andytheflyer]

+1 for Pale Rider's advice. If you can't see the damage, if you can get the adjuster at the right angle - if the cable is in place that helps the alignment, turn it by hand until it jams, then gently turn it with a spanner - making sure you keep the alignment correct - don't let it wander off. If you are gentle, sympathetic to the threads and take your time, you may be able to get it to thread back in. Turn it in a bit, then back out a bit, in a bit, out a bit - with luck you might clear the threads - but don't force it. Otherwise try a new barrel adjuster - and if that won't work you'll need to clean the threads with a tap. That's an LBS job if you are new to tapping threads.

 

[Sara_H]

I think its all a bit outside my capabilities. Looks like giving the bike shop man all my money again.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Sara: you are in Sheffield, I seem to recall.
If not Google "fix your own bike" in your area.
Like this and this. Cheaper than the lbs and you learn a lot!

 

[Sara_H]

I'm starting my bike maintenance course next week @Pat "5mph" , but brakes aren't until week two, and I need the bike before then!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I'm starting my bike maintenance course next week @Pat "5mph" , but brakes aren't until week two, and I need the bike before then!

Bat your eyelashes at the mechanic, ask to be shown brakes first

 

[Paul.G.]

Sounds like the adjuster needs replacing but before you do, its worth trying a little brute-force, youve got nothing to loose. Try holding the adjuster in a pair of pliars and push against the threads whilst turning the adjuster against the threads (clockwise) The adjuster is most likely quite soft aluminium and much softer material than the lug on the frame so worse case scenario you will just damage the adjuster even more but worth a try.

 

[raleighnut]

Why did I even bother? Every time I try to adjust brakes it ends in disaster.

I tried adjusting the brakes on my Dawes Mohave. It was very stiff, nothing like the barrel adjustment video I watched on youtube. Maybe this should have been my first warning.

I undid the barrel adjuster too far and it popped out. Now it wont go in. I've squited some wd40 on it. I've tried and tried and now my finger tips are sore.

Any tips? Apart from "Stop trying to adjust your brakes and then running to us for help." I've currently got three bikes I can't ride, five if ypou include my sons, all because I can't adjust brakes.

In order to align the adjuster simply use the other hand to squeeze the caliper onto the rims, this takes the tension off the cable allowing the adjuster to be aligned correctly.