This guide covers the most common causes of bike brake failure and step-by-step solutions to keep your rides safe.
1. Loose Brake Cable (Weak Braking Power)
Possible Causes & Symptoms
- Improperly tensioned cable: Over time, brake cables stretch or loosen, causing excessive lever travel and weak braking.
- Damaged or kinked housing: Frayed or corroded cable housing reduces tension transfer.
- Cable stretch or fatigue: Older cables elongate with use, gradually reducing braking efficiency.
How to Fix It
- Tighten the Brake Cable:
Locate the cable anchor bolt (on the brake caliper or lever).
Loosen the bolt, pull the cable taut, then retighten.
Test the lever—it should engage firmly at mid-pull (not bottom out).
- Inspect Cable Housing:
Replace if cracked, rusty, or bent.
- Replace Worn-Out Cables:
If tightening doesn’t last, install a new brake cable.
2. Misaligned or Worn Brake Pads (Poor Friction)
Possible Causes & Symptoms
- Pads not hitting the rim squarely: Uneven contact reduces stopping power.
- Worn-out pads: Glazed, cracked, or thin (<1mm) pads won’t grip well.
- Wrong toe-in angle: Pads screech or skid if they don’t meet the rim evenly.
How to Fix It
- Realign Brake Pads:
Loosen the pad bolt and adjust so the entire pad contacts the rim (not the tire!). For rim brakes, ensure both pads hit the rim simultaneously.
- Replace Worn Pads:
Remove the old pads with a hex key, then install new ones aligned with the rim.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at support@glercbikes.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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