Do you find yourself frustrated when your back bike brake isn’t working properly You’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of issues, from a simple adjustment to a more serious mechanical problem. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. In this troubleshooting guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the issue so that you can get back to riding your bike safely and smoothly.
Most Common Reasons: Back Bike Brake Not Working
Most Common Reasons for a Back Bike Brake Not Working
Brake Pads Worn Out
The brake pads are the part of the brake that actually makes contact with the rim of the wheel and creates friction to slow the bike down. If the brake pads are worn out, they will not be able to create enough friction to stop the bike effectively.
You can check if your brake pads are worn out by looking at them. If the pads are thin and you can see the metal backing, they need to be replaced.
To replace the brake pads, you will need to remove the wheel from the bike and take the brake caliper apart. You can then install new brake pads and reassemble the caliper.
Brake Fluid Low
Hydraulic disc brakes use brake fluid to transfer the force of the brake lever to the brake calipers. If the brake fluid level is low, the brakes will not be able to apply enough pressure to the brake pads to stop the bike effectively.
You can check the brake fluid level by looking at the reservoir on the brake caliper. If the fluid level is below the minimum level, you will need to add more brake fluid.
To add brake fluid, you will need to remove the cap from the reservoir and add fluid until it reaches the maximum level.
Brake Caliper Misaligned
The brake caliper is the part of the brake that holds the brake pads and applies pressure to the rim of the wheel. If the brake caliper is misaligned, the brake pads will not be able to make contact with the rim of the wheel properly and the brakes will not work effectively.
You can check if the brake caliper is misaligned by looking at the position of the brake pads in relation to the rim of the wheel. If the pads are not centered on the rim, the caliper is misaligned.
To realign the brake caliper, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold it in place and adjust the position of the caliper until the pads are centered on the rim.
Brake Rotors Warped
The brake rotor is the part of the wheel that the brake pads contact. If the brake rotor is warped, it will not be able to provide a smooth surface for the brake pads to contact and the brakes will not work effectively.
You can check if the brake rotor is warped by spinning the wheel and looking at the brake rotor. If the rotor is not smooth, it is warped.
To fix a warped brake rotor, you will need to remove the rotor from the wheel and take it to a bike shop. The bike shop will be able to true the rotor and make it smooth again.
Brake Lever Not Adjusted Properly
The brake lever is the part of the brake that you use to apply the brakes. If the brake lever is not adjusted properly, the brakes will not work effectively.
You can check if the brake lever is adjusted properly by pulling on the lever and seeing how much force it takes to apply the brakes. If it takes a lot of force to apply the brakes, the lever is not adjusted properly.
To adjust the brake lever, you will need to loosen the bolt that holds it in place and move the lever until it takes the desired amount of force to apply the brakes.
How to Troubleshoot: Back Bike Brake Not Working
Symptoms
The brake lever feels spongy or does not return to its original position after being applied.
The brake pads do not make contact with the rim when the lever is applied.
The brake pads are worn down to the point where they are no longer effective.
The brake cable is frayed or broken.
The brake caliper is misaligned.
The brake fluid is low or contaminated.
Troubleshooting
1. Check the brake lever:
If the brake lever feels spongy or does not return to its original position after being applied, it may be due to a problem with the brake fluid. First, check to make sure that the brake fluid reservoir is full. If it is not, add brake fluid until the reservoir is full. If the brake lever still feels spongy or does not return to its original position, the brake fluid may be contaminated. In this case, you will need to bleed the brakes.
2. Check the brake pads:
If the brake pads do not make contact with the rim when the lever is applied, they may be worn down to the point where they are no longer effective. To check the brake pads, remove the wheel from the bike and inspect the brake pads. If the brake pads are worn down to the point where the metal backing is exposed, they will need to be replaced.3. Check the brake cable:
If the brake cable is frayed or broken, it will need to be replaced. To check the brake cable, inspect it for any damage. If the brake cable is frayed or broken, it will need to be replaced.
4. Check the brake caliper:
If the brake caliper is misaligned, it will not be able to apply the brakes properly. To check the brake caliper, loosen the bolts that hold it in place and then re-align it so that the brake pads are centered on the rim.
5. Check the brake fluid:
If the brake fluid is low or contaminated, it will not be able to properly lubricate the brake system and may cause the brakes to malfunction. To check the brake fluid, remove the brake fluid reservoir cap and inspect the fluid level. If the fluid level is low, add brake fluid until the reservoir is full. If the fluid is contaminated, it will need to be replaced.
How to Fix: Back Bike Brake Not Working
1. Bleed the brakes:
If the brake lever feels spongy or does not return to its original position after being applied, it may be due to a problem with the brake fluid. First, check to make sure that the brake fluid reservoir is full. If it is not, add brake fluid until the reservoir is full. If the brake lever still feels spongy or does not return to its original position, the brake fluid may be contaminated. In this case, you will need to bleed the brakes.
2. Replace the brake pads:
If the brake pads are worn down to the point where they are no longer effective, they will need to be replaced. To replace the brake pads, remove the wheel from the bike and inspect the brake pads. If the brake pads are worn down to the point where the metal backing is exposed, they will need to be replaced.3. Replace the brake cable:
If the brake cable is frayed or broken, it will need to be replaced. To replace the brake cable, loosen the bolts that hold it in place and then remove the old cable. Inspect the new cable for any damage and then install it in the same way as the old cable.
4. Re-align the brake caliper:
If the brake caliper is misaligned, it will not be able to apply the brakes properly. To re-align the brake caliper, loosen the bolts that hold it in place and then re-align it so that the brake pads are centered on the rim.
5. Replace the brake fluid:
If the brake fluid is low or contaminated, it will not be able to properly lubricate the brake system and may cause the brakes to malfunction. To replace the brake fluid, remove the brake fluid reservoir cap and drain the old fluid. Then, add new brake fluid until the reservoir is full.
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