Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Fixing Stetched Brake Cable
#1
when I was biking today, I stopped for a break, when I started up again, I didn't realize that my lock was caught on my back break cable. The brake is now really loose and won't engage. The cable still appeared to be attached in the same place, but is really loose. I tried tightening it by pulling more of the cable through, but this pulls through a few inches of cable and, when I turn the wheel, the rest of the brake cable becomes too taught and causes the brakes to engage. Any ideas?
  Reply
#2
(07-11-2015, 12:21 AM)Kteach Wrote:  when I was biking today, I stopped for a break, when I started up again, I didn't realize that my lock was caught on my back break cable. The brake is now really loose and won't engage. The cable still appeared to be attached in the same place, but is really loose. I tried tightening it by pulling more of the cable through, but this pulls through a few inches of cable and, when I turn the wheel, the rest of the brake cable becomes too taught and causes the brakes to engage. Any ideas?

I would replace the brake cable and it's sheath as they are inexpensive and go from there. Also have you set the shifter in the rest position for the smallest cog or gear to do the cable adjustment?
"Where ever we go, there we are"
  Reply
#3
(07-11-2015, 12:21 AM)Kteach Wrote:  when I was biking today, I stopped for a break, when I started up again, I didn't realize that my lock was caught on my back break cable. The brake is now really loose and won't engage. The cable still appeared to be attached in the same place, but is really loose. I tried tightening it by pulling more of the cable through, but this pulls through a few inches of cable and, when I turn the wheel, the rest of the brake cable becomes too taught and causes the brakes to engage. Any ideas?

Sounds like that originally the brake cable clamp was not tightened sufficiently before the incident.  And after, you pulled to much through.

My method is to adjust the barrel adjuster on the brake lever out about 3mm, make sure that the housing is properly seated at every location, loose the cable, hold the pads tight against the rim (sometimes requires a third hand), pull the cable thru, then tighten the cable clamp.  Finally, screw the barrel adjuster back in.  This will work if your rims are reasonably true (±0.25mm side to side wobble).
Nigel
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
4,934
09-28-2021, 08:21 PM
Last Post: Criminal
 
4,962
04-29-2020, 10:40 AM
Last Post: CharleyFarley
 
11,095
03-18-2017, 09:35 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
13,160
07-22-2015, 06:43 PM
Last Post: knl
 
15,270
01-13-2015, 05:28 AM
Last Post: benj
 
16,022
07-02-2014, 02:51 PM
Last Post: Madhu
 
13,766
03-17-2014, 07:44 AM
Last Post: cny-man

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Continued learnings from bikepacking
Today 04:50 AM
What are the pros and cons of using a 26...
Today 04:46 AM
I got new Tioga FASTR X Tires (Ask Me An...
Today 01:31 AM
Cassette shifting Problem
Today 01:06 AM
Attack // Force tire style narrow front ...
Today 12:55 AM
Gandolfi "Super" model 1985-86 racing bi...
Yesterday 01:10 PM
The great thing about trikes
Yesterday 11:10 AM
Doctors are Prescribing Cycling
Yesterday 10:40 AM
How to improve cycling endurance? I've h...
06-30-2025 06:27 PM
Hot Weather Safety
06-30-2025 06:05 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
21 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
20 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
14 posts
no avatar 4. rydabent
12 posts
no avatar 5. Jesper
11 posts