How to Troubleshoot Roadmaster Bicycle Brakes

Roadmaster bicycles are some of the most popular budget-priced bicycles on the market. For an extremely low price, one receives a fairly well-tuned and put together bicycle, made of materials that will last for years to come. Unfortunately like any bicycle, the brakes on a Roadmaster will sometimes go out of adjustment. In order to fix them yourself you will need to determine the cause of the issue, so learn how to troubleshoot your Roadmaster brakes and keep your Roadmaster bike running smoothly.

Things You'll Need

  • 10mm wrench
  • 9mm wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your bicycle for a short test ride and stop multiple times using the brakes. Try to determine, to the best of your ability, the exact problem you are having with the brakes. Do the pads not make contact with the rim? Do they rub the rim when the brake levers are not being pulled? Do they appear to function properly but fail to stop the wheel?

    • 2

      Loosen the brake cable stop of the brake (where the cable is connected to the brake caliper) using a 9mm wrench if the pads do not make correct contact with the rim. If they don't contact the rim at all when the brake lever is pulled, pull the cable tighter in the cable stop, then tighten the stop bolt to hold it in place. If the pads constantly rub on the rim, loosen the cable under the cable stop, then tighten the stop to hold it in place.

    • 3

      Squeeze the brake lever a few times to be certain that the brake pads make contact with the rim when the lever is pulled, but do not when the lever is let out. If the brake pad consistently rubs one part of the rim as it turns, your wheels need to be trued and your bike should be taken to a professional bicycle mechanic for service.

    • 4

      Examine the brake pads themselves if the bike still does not stop with the cable properly adjusted. If the brake pads appear worn or smooth on the side that makes contact with the rim, they will not provide the necessary friction to stop the bike. In this case, you will need to purchase new brake pads from the local bike shop. Remove the brake pad mounting nuts using a 10mm wrench to separate the brake pads from the brake caliper. Take these pads to the shop to be sure you receive an exact replacement.

    • 5

      Slide the brake mounting bolt through the caliper's brake pad mounts. Attach and tighten the brake pad mounting nut using a 10mm wrench to hold the pad securely in place. Repeat this procedure for each of the three remaining brake pads, then take your bike out for a test ride. With brand new rubber on the brake calipers and the adjustments made previously, your bike should stop quickly and effectively every time.