Originally Posted by
wschruba
Try to wiggle the lever perpendicularly to the direction of travel. If it wiggles, slightly tighten the nut on the pivot screw. Repeat until it moves freely, with minimal up-down play.
This is sometimes a cause of a lever that sticks in an otherwise undamaged brake lever.
I think that's probably what I did when I disassembled and reassembled the lever. It seems to be moving without sticking now, but there is still what I would consider a fair bit of perpendicular wiggle even when the nut on the pivot screw is tightened to just before the point where the lever won't spring back automatically. Does this mean that the lever is worn out and needs replacing?