Avid V-brakes, not returning very quickly..

[stoatsngroats]

Hi Guys, it's been ages since my last post, but I'm after a little advice!

I've been the captain of a Tandem for 3 years now, and my rear brake doesn't release very well. The spring (wire) has 2 positions, and is on the most effective setting, although the top of one spring leg, is really close to the peg. So, there is no more adjustment available.

Is this just a case of cleaning, or better to replace the whole assembly?

Any ides would be a real help

 

[HarryTheDog]

My first action would be to take the brake cable off at the brake and determine whether the brake itself was springing out happily on both brake sides just by pushing it in and out good idea comparing it to the feel of the front brake. If its not that determine whether the inner wire was dragging through the cable outer by holding onto the end of the inner ( whilst not connected) and giving it a pull after pulling the brake lever, repeating a few times. Its one or the other.
If its the brake itself they are fairly easy to take apart and clean. I have had one be so bent it needed replacing but I dont think they are that expensive to replace as a unit

 

[stoatsngroats]

determine whether the brake itself was springing out happily on both brake sides

Great idea harry, and I should have said that I did this today! Cable was cleaned and lubed, but the right side 'lever/leg' doesn't spring outwards when the cable is released from the leg.

I think a clean as my next choice - I know they're not difficult to do, its just that I have a feeling the tension seems very small on that side particularly.

Thanks for the time replying !

 

[mrandmrspoves]

What type of brake are you referring to?

 

[jefmcg]

I had a similar problem with calliper brakes, they wouldn't spring back at all. Liberal application of GT85 drove quite a lot of muck out from around the spring and in the mechanism, and it's worked fine since then. Careful to keep it away from pads and rim, of course

 

[summerdays]

Have you fiddled with the screws to change the tension in the spring?, and check the metal to see that the spring itself isn't failing (I had two fail on one bike but I blame the original components as the replacements have been fine for years now.

 

[HovR]

Pull the V-Brake arm off the pivot and give the pivot a good cleaning with GT85 to remove any crud/rust, then grease the pivot and re-assemble. That normally fixes any V-brake issues if the cable isn't the problem. Also make sure the pad is on straight and hitting the rim square.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Missed tha Avid V brakes in the heading....dur!
As this is a tandem the cable run is longer, which means everything needs to be in really good condition and adjustment. If the cable is running freely, then it is a case of making sure the brakes are moving freely on their pivots and making sure the spring tension is adequate. One thing I would recommend is replacing the noodle (the bent piece of metal that is on the end of the cable where it fixes to the brake) They get quite worn and being bent they wear out fairly quickly. At the base of each side of the V brake is a small screw that adds extra tension to the spring. Turn it clockwise for extra tension. Then do the same on the other side until both V levers are equally spaced from the rim. This may need a few tweaks to get it right and apply the brake a few times after each adjustment to see how well the levers are balanced.

 

[stoatsngroats]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - I guess a decent clean will be my first action, taking the levers off, and getting deep into the pivot and bos.
Cool dudes - thanks again!