Brake calipers not returning
08-19-08, 05:32 PM
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Brake calipers not returning
I just installed new brakes on my bike, and everything was working great. After working on it for a bit, making lunch, and coming back and pulling the lever, I noticed the caliper doesn't return at all!
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
08-19-08, 08:34 PM
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Is your bike clamped in a stand?
08-19-08, 09:24 PM
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Sounds like it doesn't it.... 
Some bike stands can grab the cables if they are the type that are exposed along the top tube. Been there, scratched my head and then called myself some dirty names when I realized what was "wrong"....
It can be the cable or it can be the caliper pivot that is tight or needs cleaning. Or it could even be the lever in extreme cases. The trick is to undo the cable and move it with the lever while holding light tension at the caliper end. You should soon be able to see if the cable has a kink that is binding or if it's free. Old housings can also bind but may SEEM good until the system tension pulls the cable back into the groove. If you've got older housings with lots or use on them and can't find anything else then change the housings anyway. I'll bet that frees things up.
If the cable and housings are good then you're back to the caliper pivot(s). You'll want to loosen and clean them if they are gritty sounding or at least give a shot of WD40 followed by some regular oil after you work them back to free and snappy.
Some bike stands can grab the cables if they are the type that are exposed along the top tube. Been there, scratched my head and then called myself some dirty names when I realized what was "wrong"....
It can be the cable or it can be the caliper pivot that is tight or needs cleaning. Or it could even be the lever in extreme cases. The trick is to undo the cable and move it with the lever while holding light tension at the caliper end. You should soon be able to see if the cable has a kink that is binding or if it's free. Old housings can also bind but may SEEM good until the system tension pulls the cable back into the groove. If you've got older housings with lots or use on them and can't find anything else then change the housings anyway. I'll bet that frees things up.
If the cable and housings are good then you're back to the caliper pivot(s). You'll want to loosen and clean them if they are gritty sounding or at least give a shot of WD40 followed by some regular oil after you work them back to free and snappy.
