There’s nothing more frustrating than a bike back brake that doesn’t work. It can be dangerous, inconvenient, and even embarrassing. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair a bike back brake that’s not working. I’ll cover everything from simple adjustments to more complex repairs, so you can get your bike back in working order quickly and easily.
So if your bike back brake is acting up, don’t despair. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Most Common Reasons: Bike Back Brake Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Bike Back Brake Not Working
1. Brake cable is not properly adjusted
The brake cable may be too loose or too tight.
If the brake cable is too loose, the brake pads will not be able to apply enough pressure to the rim to stop the bike.
If the brake cable is too tight, the brake pads will rub against the rim even when the brake lever is not being applied, which can cause the brake pads to wear out prematurely.
2. Brake pads are worn out
Brake pads wear out over time as they are used to stop the bike.
If the brake pads are worn out, they will not be able to apply enough pressure to the rim to stop the bike.
You can check the condition of the brake pads by looking at them. If the brake pads are thin or if the friction material is starting to come off, they need to be replaced.
3. Brake rotors are warped
Brake rotors can warp if they are subjected to excessive heat or if they are not properly installed.
If the brake rotors are warped, they will not be able to provide consistent braking performance.
You can check the condition of the brake rotors by looking at them. If the brake rotors are bent or if they have a wavy appearance, they need to be replaced.
4. Brake fluid is low
Hydraulic disc brakes use brake fluid to transfer the force from the brake lever to the brake calipers.
If the brake fluid is low, the brakes will not be able to provide consistent braking performance.
You can check the level of the brake fluid by looking at the reservoir on the brake caliper. If the brake fluid level is below the minimum level, you need to add more brake fluid.
5. Brake calipers are not properly aligned
Brake calipers can become misaligned if they are not properly installed or if they are subjected to a lot of vibration.
If the brake calipers are not properly aligned, the brake pads will not be able to apply even pressure to the rim, which can cause the brakes to pull to one side or the other.
You can check the alignment of the brake calipers by looking at them. If the brake pads are not evenly spaced around the rim, the calipers need to be adjusted.
How to Troubleshoot: Bike Back Brake Not Working
Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your bike’s back brake is not working properly. These include:
The brake lever feels spongy or doesn’t return to its original position after you release it.
The brake pads don’t make contact with the rim when you apply the brake.
The bike doesn’t slow down when you apply the brake.
The brake makes a squealing or grinding noise when you apply it.
Causes
There are a number of different things that can cause a bike’s back brake to stop working properly. These include:
Dirty or worn brake pads:
If the brake pads are dirty or worn, they won’t be able to make proper contact with the rim and slow the bike down.
Incorrectly adjusted brake cable:
If the brake cable is too tight or too loose, it can affect the braking performance.
Bent or damaged brake levers:
If the brake levers are bent or damaged, they won’t be able to apply the brakes properly.
Bent or damaged brake calipers:
If the brake calipers are bent or damaged, they won’t be able to apply the brakes properly.
Air in the brake lines:
If there is air in the brake lines, it can prevent the brakes from working properly.
How to Fix a Bike Back Brake That’s Not Working
Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, you can fix the bike’s back brake. Here are the steps involved:
1. Clean or replace the brake pads:
If the brake pads are dirty, you can clean them with a degreaser and a rag. If the brake pads are worn, you will need to replace them.
2. Adjust the brake cable:
If the brake cable is too tight or too loose, you can adjust it using the barrel adjuster on the brake lever.3. Replace the brake levers:
If the brake levers are bent or damaged, you will need to replace them.
4. Replace the brake calipers:
If the brake calipers are bent or damaged, you will need to replace them.
5. Bleed the brake lines:
If there is air in the brake lines, you will need to bleed them.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting and fixing a bike back brake that’s not working:
Start by checking the brake pads:
This is the most common cause of a back brake not working properly.
If the brake pads are clean and properly adjusted, check the brake cable:
Make sure that the cable is not too tight or too loose.
If the brake cable is properly adjusted, check the brake levers:
Make sure that they are not bent or damaged.
If the brake levers are not bent or damaged, check the brake calipers:
Make sure that they are not bent or damaged.
If the brake calipers are not bent or damaged, check the brake lines:
Make sure that there is no air in the lines.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and fix a bike back brake that’s not working properly.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to prevent your bike’s back brake from malfunctioning is to perform regular maintenance. This includes:
Checking the brake pads regularly:
Make sure that the brake pads are clean and free of debris. Replace the brake pads if they are worn down.
Adjusting the brake cable regularly:
Make sure that the brake cable is not too tight or too loose.
Bleeding the brake lines regularly:
This will help to prevent air from getting into the brake lines.
By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your bike’s back brake working properly.
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