sticky ultegra brakes

[iLB]

My calipers are failing to fully return after being applied, in conjuction with my untrue rims the pads are rubbing. I had both off the bike today, cleaned, degreased and lubed them nicely but the problem persists. The cable and outers were also replaced this afternoon so can be ruled out... any thoughts on fixing this!?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

There can be many possible reasons so the best way forward is probably to try to isolate the cause. The fact that the cables and outers are new doesn't mean they don't stick e.g. if the outer has been crimped when cut or undersized (e.g. gear) ferrules have been used - you should be able to eliminate cable issues being the reason by disengaging the cable from the brake and lever and feel if it slides smoothly inside the outer under tension with your hands. Similarly with the cable disengaged do the legs of the caliper feel strongly sprung without the legs rubbing against each other? or is there any stickiness/resistance at the lever etc.?

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

...you should be able to eliminate cable issues being the reason by disengaging the cable from the brake and lever and feel if it slides smoothly inside the outer under tension with your hands. Similarly with the cable disengaged do the legs of the caliper feel strongly sprung without the legs rubbing against each other? or is there any stickiness/resistance at the lever etc.?

This.

I had a very similar issue recently with my rear brake. I was able to isolate the issue by disconnecting the cable and realising that the callipers themselves were fine. Once I'd pulled the cable out of the frame, I was quite shocked to see how corroded it was. Did you lubricate the cables before installing?

 

[accountantpete]

I'd take the cable off and then test the springiness of the calipers. If they are not returning under their own steam then the problems lie in the calipers themselves - the lock-nut may have shifted/grit in the bearings etc.

 

[HLaB]

Probably a stupid question but have you left it long after cleaning and lubing? My ultegra brakes seemed sticky last week and much cleaning lubing didn't make much difference initially but a few days later (probably due to capillary action) it did. I've had similar experiences before.

 

[Crackedheadset]

I'd take the cable off and then test the springiness of the calipers. If they are not returning under their own steam then the problems lie in the calipers themselves - the lock-nut may have shifted/grit in the bearings etc.

This is the issue ime. I had the same thing happen to me, the protective tape had come off and was rubbing against the return spring. cut the tape away, cleaned the spring and all was fine and dandy.

Be warned though, taking apart the caliper itself and cleaning the spring can be a PITA to put back together again. Trying to clamp the two parts of the brake caliper with the spring in between can lead to much swearing.

 

[iLB]

Greased all the cables as they went in, and the levers were replaced with dura ace ones so I guess the problem is in the calliper itself, maybe it will have improved when i get home tonight. Don't fancy taking them apart though as I am racing in the morning!

 

[accountantpete]

Greased all the cables as they went in, and the levers were replaced with dura ace ones so I guess the problem is in the calliper itself, maybe it will have improved when i get home tonight. Don't fancy taking them apart though as I am racing in the morning!

Try a liberal dose of wd40 to free them up and then repair later.

 

[iLB]

Still no joy tonight, front brake only tomorrow...

 

[Mista Preston]

Just a thought. Is the feral (not sure what else to call it)that is in place between the end of your cable just as it goes into the calliper adjuster sticking or even too big so its not moving freely. They are normally plastic or metal.

Just a thought