SteelCan

My road bike has inline brakes along w/9sp Tiagra STI.

I thought I became a brake mechanic wizard after I "thought" I was able to repair the rear brake, (I too aggressively cleaned my bike after a hard rain - trying to "floss" the brake calipers with a rag and popped the spring end)

I re-installed the spring (I did it properly making sure a tiny plastic piece on the end of the spring was in proper position - set against the "catch" on one of the calipers) and initially had trouble with the calipers releasing/springing-out after a pull.

I again removed the rear brake and quickly figured out why the calipers would NOT spring back - Too much tension on the nut that keeps the spring in place. Made a few tweaks, loosened the nut that held that spring in place and prevented the nut that mounts the entire brake caliper from placing too much tension on that "spring" nut. (there is a thick washer in between)

Now everything works fine (caliper instantly springs out) when using the inline brake BUT when using the STI brake lever, the calipers just seem to release ever so slightly.

Anyone know WTF I did wrong? (all worked OK before my "aggressive" cleaning)
Ps: Never adjusted cable tension.

bikeman715

you may have dirt in the housing between the inline brake and your sti lever. the best thing to do is replace that piece of housing.you could try flushing it (the housing ) with WD-40 and drip some oil into it.but like i said the best thing to do is to replace it.