How to fix Stuck Bicycle Brakes

The brakes are one of the most important devices on your bicycle. You don't want to be speeding downhill and find out too late that they're not working properly. If you notice that your brakes are stuck and dragging, you need to fix them before you ever take the bike to the street again.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the brake pads, which are the rubber pieces on the brake caliper. These grip the wheel to slow the bike down. Remove the screw on the caliper's outside area to remove the pad.

    • 2

      Inspect the brake pads. If they any signs of being worn down at all, they need to be replaced immediately. If not, they can be re-attached onto the brake caliper.

    • 3

      Adjust the position of the brakes. The pads should be about three to five millimeters from the wheel rim. Tighten up the brakes afterward and test them to see if they work now.

    • 4

      Change the length of the brake cables. With most bikes, this can be done by turning the barrel that connects the cable to the handlebar. Tighten the cables to fix the brakes to fix the brakes.

    • 5

      Lubricate the brakes. Apply the lubricant to both ends of the cables and the pivot points. Squeeze the brakes to spread the lubricant through the cables. Be sure to get the correct lubricant from a reputable bike shop.

    • 6

      Take the bicycle to a repair shop if the brake problems persist. Let trained professionals fix them for you.