Bicycle Mechanics - Cross In-line Brakes

Is it possible and/or easy to replace the springs in in-line brakes? The cheap salsa levers don't spring back into place anymore. Could I go to Menards or Ace Hardware to find a spring to use, or would this be a specialty piece?

Thanks in advance.

Mr. Burns

I'd take it apart and see if the spring is snapped.
if it isn't, I'd just spread it to make it have a stronger return.

Do you notice any performance issues? If not, leave it. The brake spring should be enough to return it. I run in line levers that have no spring, and they're fine.

Do you notice any performance issues? If not, leave it. The brake spring should be enough to return it. I run in line levers that have no spring, and they're fine.

+1

The brake lever spring is just an assist. If your levers aren't snapping back (with or without springs) then you likely have a cable or caliper issue.

you know you guys are probably right. i might have a cable AND caliper issue. First of all the cables are really run with the rear brake cable under the front. On this bike it needs to be reversed because with tension it pulls funny. in addition, the calipers are cheap tektro junk. they don't snap back either compared to my ultegra.

the ultimate problem is really mushy braking all-around. both the inline brakes and the sti levers. feels sketchy, you know?

I've never had a problem with Tektro brakes. They make crap, but they also make non-crap.

I'd check the housings and make sure the brakes aren't crudded up from the winter.

+1 on the housing, 9 times out of 10 it's the housings fault (unless they're cantilever, then it's a draw)

Re cable the brakes, and if it still feels lousy, then go after the springs.