Bicycle Brakes Not Working: A Troubleshooting Guide
Do you find yourself constantly having to pump your brakes to slow down or stop your bike Or, worse yet, do your brakes not work at all If so, you’re not alone. Back brakes on bikes are a common problem, but it’s one that’s easy to fix.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of troubleshooting your back brakes and getting them working properly again. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
So whether you’re a new cyclist or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about fixing back brakes on bikes.
Most Common Reasons: Back Brakes On Bike Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Back Brakes On Bike Not Working
Insufficient Brake Pad Contact
The brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.
The brake pads are dirty and need to be cleaned.
The brake pads are not aligned properly with the rim.
Cable/Hydraulic Hose Problems
The cable is frayed or broken.
The cable is not properly adjusted.
The hydraulic hose is leaking.
The hydraulic hose is kinked or damaged.
Brake Caliper Problems
The brake caliper is not aligned properly with the rim.
The brake caliper is seized or sticking.
The brake caliper pistons are sticking or seized.
Master Cylinder Problems
The master cylinder is leaking.
The master cylinder pistons are sticking or seized.
Other Problems
The brake rotor is warped or damaged.
The wheel is out of true.
The frame is bent or damaged.
Back Brakes on Bike Not Working
Troubleshoot
If your back brakes are not working, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.
Check the brake pads:
Make sure that the brake pads are not worn down to the metal. If they are, you will need to replace them.
Check the brake cable:
Make sure that the brake cable is not frayed or damaged. If it is, you will need to replace it.
Check the brake caliper:
Make sure that the brake caliper is not seized up. If it is, you will need to clean and lubricate it.
Check the brake fluid:
Make sure that the brake fluid level is adequate. If it is low, you will need to add more brake fluid.
Check the brake rotors:
Make sure that the brake rotors are not warped or damaged. If they are, you will need to have them replaced.
Once you have checked all of these things, you should be able to determine what is causing the problem with your back brakes. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you will need to take your bike to a bike shop.
Fix
Once you have determined what is causing the problem with your back brakes, you can fix it yourself. Here are the steps involved in fixing each of the possible problems:
Replace the brake pads:
To replace the brake pads, you will need to remove the wheel and the brake caliper. Then, you will need to remove the old brake pads and install the new ones.
Replace the brake cable:
To replace the brake cable, you will need to remove the old cable and install the new one.
Clean and lubricate the brake caliper:
To clean and lubricate the brake caliper, you will need to remove the caliper from the bike and clean it with a degreaser. Then, you will need to apply a light coat of brake lubricant to the caliper.
Add brake fluid:
To add brake fluid, you will need to remove the brake reservoir cap and add brake fluid until the reservoir is full.
Replace the brake rotors:
To replace the brake rotors, you will need to remove the wheels and the brake calipers. Then, you will need to remove the old brake rotors and install the new ones.
Once you have fixed the problem with your back brakes, you should test them to make sure that they are working properly. If they are not working properly, you may need to take your bike to a bike shop for further assistance.
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