subject: Bike repair - How to Loosen the brakes ? [print this page] Bike repair - How to Loosen the brakes ? Bike repair - How to Loosen the brakes ?
Before you can even think about fixing a flat or addressing any other tire or tube issue, you need to be able to remove the wheel from the bicycle frame. Fortunately, bike manufacturers have made the lives of bike riders easier by introducing things such as quick-release hubs and brakes.
Because brakes are typically designed to sit close to the wheel rim, their location normally prevents the wheel from being removed if the tire is fully inflated. If you want to remove a wheel, you first have to open the brakes so there's room for the tire to fit through the brake pads.
Many bikes have a quick release built into the brake, which quickly enables the cable to slacken and the brakes to spread. The quick release may vary depending on what type of brakes your bike has:
Cantilever brakes: If you have cantilever brakes, squeeze the brake arms together with one hand to create slack in the cable and, with the other hand, lift the loose end of the cable out of its pocket. Release the breaks and they'll pop open.
V-brakes: If you have V-brakes, pinch together the top of the brake arms to loosen the cable. Pull the rubber boot back to expose the cable Carefully pull the cable out of the narrow slot in the cable holder, and release it to open the brakes
Side-pull brakes: For side-pull brakes, look for a small lever on the caliper where the cable is attached. Pull the lever upward and release the brakes just enough to allow the wheel to pass. In some models, you have to look for a button on the lever and push it to release the tension on the brakes.
Worst case, if you can't release the brakes to allow the tire to past through the brakes, let the air out of the tire; this will give you the clearance needed.
