cantilever brake problem
09-10-06, 06:54 PM
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cantilever brake problem
I have a 10 year old Bianchi Advantage hybrid with cantilevered brakes. Until recently they've worked fine.
This weekend I had to replace the tube in my front tire due to a slow leak. I pulled off the removable cable that sits inside the left brake (facing the front of the bike) and then removed the quick release wheel. Once I replaced the tube and pumped up the tire I put everything back they way it was.
But the problem is after I squeeze the front brake handle the right side brake will stay on the rim, the leftside brake will go back into position. I've taken apart the rightside brake housings but there's nothing wrong with it.
The cables of each brake go upwards in an upside down V into one cable that goes to the handle. That whole setup now looks lopsided (leaning to the left) where if I push it straight by hand the brakes work better. Any suggestions on how I can fix this? I'm a novice at bike maintenance.
This weekend I had to replace the tube in my front tire due to a slow leak. I pulled off the removable cable that sits inside the left brake (facing the front of the bike) and then removed the quick release wheel. Once I replaced the tube and pumped up the tire I put everything back they way it was.
But the problem is after I squeeze the front brake handle the right side brake will stay on the rim, the leftside brake will go back into position. I've taken apart the rightside brake housings but there's nothing wrong with it.
The cables of each brake go upwards in an upside down V into one cable that goes to the handle. That whole setup now looks lopsided (leaning to the left) where if I push it straight by hand the brakes work better. Any suggestions on how I can fix this? I'm a novice at bike maintenance.
09-10-06, 07:53 PM
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Can you tell us what make and model the brakes are?
Shimano Alivio cantis are notorious for the plastic spring housing failing and causing this symptom, pretty good odds that is it.
Shimano Alivio cantis are notorious for the plastic spring housing failing and causing this symptom, pretty good odds that is it.
09-10-06, 08:07 PM
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You went too far. The front wheel was just a bit off center, all you needed to do was to open the QR, center the wheel between the brake pads, then close the QR.
09-11-06, 08:54 PM
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A friend at work who bike races offered to look at the brakes. Turns out the spring on the front brake caliper is not working properly. So what we did was transfer the one from the rear to the front as it's working fine and put the front one in the back. They all work now, although the old front one sticks after about 5 applications. I'll have to look into fixing it.
