Tips on repairing Shimano brakes on my Bianchi cortina?

[lorena2020]

Hello!

Really glad to have joined this community. I am seeking advice on how to repair my bike - Bianchi Cortina with Shimano Brakes. I feel really silly this happen - didn't notice the handle bars were backwards and when I walked my bike forward, I heard something snap. The left brake (line? cord?) in some area seems to have snapped or broken its connection to the left brake. Now, when I press on the brake, nothing retracts and there is no tension. Do you think this could be a straightforward home repair? Any tips would be really appreciated! I use this bike pretty much every day and I'm hoping to jump back on soon. The right brake still works but not as well and it feels odd to rely on that one.

 

[Drago]

Greetings Lorena,

It sounds as if the cable has snapped, or possibly wasn't secured properly at the other end. Follow the cable down to the other end and have a nose. Take a photo and show us if that helps.

 

[Gunk]

The nipple has probably snapped off inside the lever, it’s an easy fix.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Do not ride relying on the single remaining brake (rear) except to 'limp' a short distance home. It is difficult to tell what damage you've done but it will be easy and quick for your local bike shop to repair. Brakes are a key safety item and from your OP, I reckon you're best off getting a competent person to do it this time, and at the same time resolve to understand how your brakes and their cables work (and can then be replaced and adjusted by you).

 

[Cycleops]

Remove the cover on the shifter and all will be revealed. 👍

 

[Ajax Bay]

Remove the cover on the shifter and you'll never get it back on.

FTFY

 

[Mr Celine]

Remove the cover on the shifter and all will be revealed. 👍

Why would you remove the cover of the shifter?

It's the brake that's not working, not the gears.

 

[Cycleops]

Quite right @Mr Celine , a senior moment.
I notice nobody has told the OP how to change the cable yet Perhaps I should make amends for my dreadful faux pas by addressing this with a video.
The outer casing might not need changing if it’s in good condition and not too old:
You can get away with just an Allen key (buy a multi tool which incorporates them, it’ll always come in useful) . You likely won’t have a cable cutter so just loop the excess cable until you can get to your LBS who can snip it for you and fit an end cap.

View: https://youtu.be/8dCZZ1kzTd8

 

[lorena2020]

Hi all! Thank you tons for the advice. I finally have gotten a chance to focus on repairing my bike (Too much work lately). I started taking apart the brake near the handle but then i looked down and saw where I believe a piece has been broken. I've attached some pictures. Do you guys have any advice on how to replace this piece? Thank you!

 

[lorena2020]

 

[DCBassman]

Not sure I can see a problem. Should just latch back together.

 

[Badger_Boom]

I’m no v brake expert but it looks like lack of tension on the cable or something has allowed the noodle (curvy metal tube) to jump out of the holder (metal bracket with holes on the left in your picture).

 

[roubaixtuesday]

As others have said, it looks as though the cable has detached from the mechanism.

This is *not* any great problem; it's actually a design feature to allow easy removal of the wheel.

You need to squeeze the arms of the brake mechanism together and clip the cable back into place. Having a close look at the rear brake should reveal how it is meant to be.

Carefully check it once back in position, its possible to be "not quite right" and pop out again.

Alternatively, as this is literally a ten second job for someone with experience of it, any half reputable bike shop will fix it on the spot without charge.

 

[Cycleops]

The end cap of the “metal cable guide“ (called a noodle} has become detached from the “cable hook unit”. As above squeeze the arms together to reattach, if that’s difficult undo the cable clamp bolt to release the cable and try again While pulling the cable end.

 

[overmind]

View attachment 543766

The end cap of the “metal cable guide“ (called a noodle} has become detached from the “cable hook unit”. As above squeeze the arms together to reattach, if that’s difficult undo the cable clamp bolt to release the cable and try again While pulling the cable end.

That is a great picture.