Back Brakes Not Working: A Troubleshooting Guide
Do you find yourself constantly having to pump your back brakes to get them to work Or worse, do they not work at all If so, you’re not alone. Back brakes not working is a common problem that can be frustrating and even dangerous.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair your back brakes. I’ll cover everything from simple fixes like adjusting the brake pads to more complex repairs like replacing the brake cable or caliper.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools you need to get your back brakes working like new again. So let’s get started!
Most Common Reasons: Back Bike Brakes Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Back Bike Brakes Not Working
1. Brake Pads Worn Out
The most common reason for back bike brakes not working is that the brake pads are worn out. When the brake pads are worn down, they no longer have enough friction to slow down the wheel. This can be dangerous, as it can make it difficult to stop the bike in an emergency.
2. Brake Calipers Misaligned
If the brake calipers are misaligned, they will not be able to apply the brake pads evenly to the rim. This can also cause the brakes to not work properly.
3. Brake Fluid Leaking
If the brake fluid is leaking, it will not be able to travel to the brake calipers and apply pressure to the brake pads. This will also cause the brakes to not work properly.
4. Brake Levers Not Adjusted Properly
If the brake levers are not adjusted properly, they will not apply enough pressure to the brake calipers. This can also cause the brakes to not work properly.
5. Brake Rotors Damaged
If the brake rotors are damaged, they will not be able to grip the brake pads properly. This can also cause the brakes to not work properly.
Back Bike Brakes Not Working
Troubleshooting
If your back bike brakes are not working, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.
First, make sure that the brake pads are properly aligned with the rim:
The brake pads should be evenly spaced and should not be touching the rim when the brakes are not engaged. If the brake pads are not aligned correctly, you can adjust them by loosening the bolts that hold them in place and then moving them until they are properly aligned.
Next, check the brake cable for any damage:
The brake cable should be free of kinks and should not be frayed. If the brake cable is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Finally, check the brake fluid level:
The brake fluid reservoir should be at least half full. If the brake fluid level is low, you will need to add more brake fluid.
Once you have checked all of these things, you can try to test the brakes to see if they are working properly. If the brakes are still not working, you may need to take your bike to a bike shop for further diagnosis and repair.
How to Fix Back Bike Brakes
If you have determined that the problem with your back bike brakes is due to a faulty brake pad, brake cable, or brake fluid, you can fix the problem yourself by following these steps:
To replace the brake pads, you will need to remove the old brake pads and install new ones. To remove the old brake pads, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold them in place and then slide them out of the brake caliper. To install the new brake pads, you will need to reverse the process.
To replace the brake cable, you will need to disconnect the old brake cable from the brake lever and the brake caliper. You will then need to remove the old brake cable from the frame of the bike. To install the new brake cable, you will need to reverse the process.
To add brake fluid, you will need to open the brake fluid reservoir and add brake fluid until the reservoir is at least half full.
Once you have replaced the brake pads, brake cable, or brake fluid, you will need to test the brakes to make sure that they are working properly. If the brakes are still not working, you may need to take your bike to a bike shop for further diagnosis and repair.
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