Front brake really loose

[KnockerDolt]

Hi all, I'm having a problem with my front brakes I just can't work out. I got a puncture on my front wheel so I took it off the frame, repaired it and put it back on but since then my front brakes have been really loose. The break handle goes back all the way whereas before it only went to about half way. My back brakes still work fine and I've had a look at them and both the front and back brakes look the same. I even tried the adjusting barrel and they are still loose. Anyone have any ideas how to fix this?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Do your calipers have quick release levers?

The lever should be in the above position if the brake cable is correctly set up. If it is pointing up you will not be getting enough tension on the cable when you apply the brake.

 

[Andy_R]

What sort of brake? Photos would help too

 

[KnockerDolt]

Do your calipers have quick release levers?

The lever should be in the above position if the brake cable is correctly set up. If it is pointing up you will not be getting enough tension on the cable when you apply the brake.

That's what I thought but it looks like my calipers don't have a quick release.

What sort of brake? Photos would help too

I've uploaded an album on imgur. I didn't really know what you wanted to look at so I kinda took pictures of everything.

http://imgur.com/a/w0Lr4

 

[ianrauk]

Here you go... watch this and learn

 

[smokeysmoo]

That's what I thought but it looks like my calipers don't have a quick release

Ah, V brakes. ianrauk to the rescue. That video will get you sorted

 

[Pauluk]

KnockerDolt, out of interest did you just release the cable at the noodle/pipe to take your wheel off or did you release the cable at the pinch bolt?

 

[Andy_R]

When you took the wheel off, how did you release the brake? Did you unhitch the noodle (curved metal pipe) from the bracket on the end of the brake arm, or did you undo the brake cable by loosening the nut on the arm? If you did the latter, you will have to loosen it off again, and pull more cable through before tightening it up again.

 

[Andy_R]

gah....cross posted....

 

[KnockerDolt]

Here you go... watch this and learn

That worked! Thanks so much! I do feel kinda stupid because it does feel like a rookie mistake but nevermind...

 

[ianrauk]

That worked! Thanks so much! I do feel kinda stupid because it does feel like a rookie mistake but nevermind...

We all learn.............

 

[KnockerDolt]

KnockerDolt, out of interest did you just release the cable at the noodle/pipe to take your wheel off or did you release the cable at the pinch bolt?

When you took the wheel off, how did you release the brake? Did you unhitch the noodle (curved metal pipe) from the bracket on the end of the brake arm, or did you undo the brake cable by loosening the nut on the arm? If you did the latter, you will have to loosen it off again, and pull more cable through before tightening it up again.

I loosened the brake cable. I followed the video and my brakes seem fine now. Should I still do it?

 

[Andy_R]

If your brakes are fine now, then just leave them. In future, unhitch the brake at the noodle without undoing the cable at the bolt. that way you won't need to re-adjust it when you put the wheel back on. Oh, don't forget to re-attach the front brake. Not that I've ever forgotten to do that....noooo, not me.......never done that.......

 

[Pauluk]

Next time you take the wheel off just slacken the cable a little at the barrel adjuster and pull the pads to the rim and unhook the noodle to fully release the brakes.
This can be a tad difficult if your barrel adjuster is normally all the way in as you can't always get enough slack to release the noodle. The trick I have found is to have the brakes set to the correct position with the barrel adjuster about half way, then when you need to unhook the noodle you can turn the barrel adjuster in to give you enough slack to release the brakes.

It can also help if you unhook the brake arm springs first (easy to do and to get back again) as you are then not fighting the pressure when holding the pads to the rim.

Hope this makes sense.

Edit: Andy you beat me this time

 

[Andy_R]

Edit: Andy you beat me this time