Bicycle Mechanics - Cantilever Brake problem

I have been having problems with the arms of my Cantilever Brake locking up when I try to use them. So I took apart my front brake this morning, and the arm that has been sticking is really hard to get on or off the pivet arm. I've tried oiling it but that does not seem to help and I can't see any obvious dirt or grime that could be stopping or resisting its movement.

Any suggestions on what could have caused this? The brake used to work fine, I've just not used the bike much for the last year.

DanielB

I'm assuming that you haven't actually removed the cantilevers yet. Please do so, and clean the posts thouroughly. Then, coat the posts with a decent bike grease (white 'teflon' grease works great for this, btw), then reassemble the brakes. I prefer to put my springs on the maximum tension setting, but that's just personal preference.

Originally posted by Dave Stohler
I'm assuming that you haven't actually removed the cantilevers yet. Please do so, and clean the posts thouroughly.

I did that ealier but I will give it another go...


Originally posted by Dave Stohler
Then, coat the posts with a decent bike grease (white 'teflon' grease works great for this, btw), then reassemble the brakes. I prefer to put my springs on the maximum tension setting, but that's just personal preference.

Will try this and get some grease.

Hopefully my brakes will now realese after they have been applied! As at the moment I apply the brake and then one of the arms does not spring back off the wheel rim! Which is allot less than ideal!

DanielB

Rust or corrosion inside the canti itself either the mounting section or the spring. It could also be the spring itself is worn out or the tabs are bent. If you can take it apart do so and check it. Also lightly sand off the boss the brake sits on and set the spring tension when you re mount it to the top hole of the boss. Also check your cables and housing for rust, breaks, bends, or kinks. If you have some of this replace the cable and housing.

The end of the canti stud can also mushroom. A light filing will remove the lip.

Thanks for all the help, I dismantled cleaned and regrease the brake arms that were jamming and now they work great! Just need to perfect my brake settings and it will be sorted!

DanielB