hi! i’m on a quest to restore my old bike so that I can use it this summer! i haven’t ridden it since covid and it’s pretty old! my mom used to ride me around in a kid seat attached to the back when i was a baby and im almost 20 now! the bike has definitely seen better days but she truly has no major damage that i’ve noticed. the chain was SUPER rusted so it’s currently soaking in evapo-rust with some other rusty bolts and screws i saw on the bike. if that doesn’t work i’ll definitely buy a new chain but im just trying to salvage what i can.
i’ve been navigating the repair journey through youtube videos but ive hit a point where none of them seem to show the problem im facing.
the front brake is fine and has no issues but the back brake wire is a head scratcher. it sits outside of the barrel adjuster when at rest unlike the front brake one. i’ve tried adjusting the barrel bit but nothing comes of it. when i use the brake i have to pull it all the way back to the handlebar but still nothing happens to the brakes in the back. they don’t move or anything.
also not sure if this is helpful information but the brake pads aren’t worn down.
any and all suggestions and recommendations would be greatly appreciated!! thank you!
if you have any questions let me know:)
help! my brake wires are too loose (i think?)
byu/ConsiderationWide524 inbikewrench
by ConsiderationWide524
3 Comments
You are correct that the cable tension is too loose. Adjusting it should also fix the issue with the cable slipping out of the top barrel too. On the back brake itself, losen the pinch bolt and pull the cable tighter, then tighten the bolt again. You can find a video and guide here (skip to step #3): https://biketips.com/how-to-adjust-v-brakes/
Cool project, best of luck!
EDIT: if that video doesn’t work for you, try YouTube again— you have a type of brake called a ‘V-Brake’— hopefully that can narrow down your search 🙂
Awesome! Working on your own bike is fun and rewarding, good on you for learning! Your brake cable tension is too low. If you have v brakes, its probably as easy as retightening the cable at the calipers. If disc brakes it’ll be a little more challenging, but YouTube “disc brake cable adjustment” should show you everything you need!
P.s. if you haven’t replaced your brake cables since you had the bike, it’s a pretty cheap and easy job that can help the feel a little. Good luck!
There’s also a very good chance your cable is binding in the housing. Try removing the cable from the brake lever and sliding it through the housing. If it’s not freely moving, and I mean completely unrestricted, you need cable and housing.