How To Repair A Bicycle Coaster Brake
- Secure your bicycle on a rack or flip it upside down to rest on the seat and handlebars.
- Take two wrenches and loosen the nuts that hold your axle in place by turning them opposite directions.
- Next, you need to use a screwdriver to remove the brake arm.
- Unscrew your bearings and take the brake assembly and bearings off your bike.
- Separate the parts.
Full Answer
How do you remove a coaster brake from a bicycle?
This guide will walk you through removing, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling an older model coaster brake. This step will be easier if you flip your bicycle upside down, and balance it on the seat and handlebars. Loosen the nuts holding the axle in place using the two wrenches.
How do I know if my bike has coaster brakes?
Rotate the pedals backward on your bike if it is equipped with coaster brakes. The pedals should only travel 1/4 turn and the brakes should engage. This all occurs inside the rear axle housing, and servicing is not recommended for a novice. Check the brake arm.
How long does it take to adjust a coaster brake?
Adjusting your coaster brake should take no more than 15 minutes, maybe a little longer if it is your first time. Start by flipping your bike upside down so the handlebars and seat rest firmly on a flat surface. This will stabilize your bike so you can freely work on the rear wheel hub.
Is your coaster brake getting loose?
If you ride your cruiser frequently, you may experience your coaster brake starting to get loose and not functioning optimally. You may notice the rear wheel wobbling, which makes riding your cruiser difficult and also dangerous so decided to figure out how to fix this. You can easily fix this problem by making one adjustment to the rear wheel hub.
Why is my coaster brake not working?
One of the most common causes of coaster-brake malfunction is failure to properly secure the reaction arm after removing and re-installing the wheel. If the bike is ridden without the reaction arm properly secured, the arm will rotate downward, effectively loosening the left cone.
How do you rebuild coaster brakes?
0:003:20Bicycle Coaster Brake Repair and Service - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then the brakes use just fit over the top. And that's going to go into the wheel just like thatMoreAnd then the brakes use just fit over the top. And that's going to go into the wheel just like that and then the sprocket screws on from the other side pack everything with grease.
Do bicycle coaster brakes wear out?
Coaster brakes are not serviceable. Once the internal workings of the coaster brake hub are worn, it's time for a new wheel, because repair will cost at least as much or more than a new wheel. A very small 12" or 14" pedal bike with coaster brakes will have very short crank arms.
How do you tighten a coaster brake hub?
Stick the cone wrench into the right-side cone, located on the hub. Turn the cone wrench clockwise until the cone just touches the bearings. Turn it back counterclockwise 45 degrees. Tighten both axle nuts with your socket or adjustable wrench.
How do you change a coaster brake?
1:2810:07Bmx mods how to make a coaster brake wheel into ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you need two Crescent wrenches or adjustable wrenches and a flat head or Phillips screwdriverMoreSo you need two Crescent wrenches or adjustable wrenches and a flat head or Phillips screwdriver whatever you're close to brake arm. Meet to remove it. So again let's go down and take this back wheel.
Are coaster brakes any good?
For use around town, especially in flat areas, coaster brakes typically perform just fine for adults. Due to their ability to heat up quickly, coaster brakes are not recommended for any type of technical riding, riding at fast speeds, or around hills.
How does a coaster brake hub work?
0:037:09Coaster Brake Hub - What's Inside? How Does It Work? Cutaway View!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst if you're not familiar with what a coaster brake hub is. If you pedal forward you go forwardMoreFirst if you're not familiar with what a coaster brake hub is. If you pedal forward you go forward you can stop and it coasts and to break you just paddle backwards. And that engages the brakes inside
Can you coast with coaster brakes?
With a coaster brake, the rider can decide to stop pedaling forward and simply “coast” or pedal backward to brake if needed. Because the coaster brake is housed inside the rear hub, it's unlikely to squeak or require cleaning and works just as effectively in rainy conditions.
Are coaster brakes better than hand brakes?
Better control Hand brakes offer more control over modulation, or braking power. Whereas coaster brakes are essentially on or off with very little wiggle room in between, hand brakes allow you to be more precise with the pressure. Being able to control braking force on downhill or slippery surfaces is pretty important.
How do you remove coaster arm brakes?
0:302:06How To Remove Rear Wheel Brake Arm on A Motorized BicycleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to sum up you're going to put your wrench on it you're going to want to turn your wrenchMoreSo to sum up you're going to put your wrench on it you're going to want to turn your wrench counterclockwise. You're going to hold it there and then you're going to hit something on the brake arm.
What are rear coaster brakes on a bike?
A coaster brake (or foot brake) allows a child to stop by pedaling backward. This is unlike a regular freewheel which allows the cyclist to backpedal freely.
What is coastal brake?
A coaster brake is a brake that is activated by pedalling backwards (also known as backpedal brakes). The harder you pedal backwards, the stronger the bike will brake.
How do I change the rear hub on my bike?
6:2210:51Bike Wheel Problems? Try Replacing your Hub! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto the grease I've already put in there. So I've got all the bearings in there just going to placeMoreInto the grease I've already put in there. So I've got all the bearings in there just going to place that back on top of the lower cone fill the other side with grease.
How do you put a rear wheel hub on a bike?
7:0913:41How To Overhaul The Hub Of A Rear Bike Wheel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first I'll screw on the cone. And screw it on a lot farther that I need to to put lon. So putMoreSo first I'll screw on the cone. And screw it on a lot farther that I need to to put lon. So put down now put the spacer. And I'll put the locknut.
How to make sure your bicycle is straight?
Make sure the wheel is straight relative to the bicycle, and that the chain is relatively taut. Tighten the nuts to hold the wheel in place. Before continuing , spin the wheel and crank the pedals to make sure everything spins smoothly . If not, check to make sure the axle nuts aren't too tight. Edit.
How to balance a bicycle upside down?
Loosen the nuts holding the axle in place using the two wrenches. Unscrew the brake arm from the frame of the bicycle using the screwdriver. Edit.
How to remove axle bearings?
Loosen the nuts holding the axle in the wheel using the wrenches. Unscrew the axle, and remove the bearings and brake assembly. Set them off to the side on a rag. When pulling the parts out, arrange them in the order in which you took them out. This way, you don't forget the order.
Where is the brake arm on a Bendix coaster?
On "Bendix" type coaster brakes, the brake arm is a flat, steel "arm" attached to the rear axle opposite from the chain, which is clamped to the lower frame.
How to know if brakes are worn?
The first thing you will need to know is if the brake pads are too worn to work effectively. There should be at least 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of rubber (the brake pad) between the clamp and the tire when the caliper is engaged to brake the bike.
What to do if your bike is stuck on one side?
If one side is stuck, you may find that only one pad is engaging the wheel, and this will not give you effective braking. You may need to loosen the bolts that hold the caliper on the bike, and work it in and out to free up the mechanism. Some good light machine oil will help keep these moving parts lubricated.
How far should brake cables be from the wheel?
Check the adjustment of your brake cables. When the brakes are not applied, they should be about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the wheel rim, and when the lever is squeezed, they should make full contact at about half the distance the lever will travel. ...
What is a bendix brake?
On "Bendix" type coaster brakes, the brake arm is a flat, steel "arm" attached to the rear axle opposite from the chain, which is clamped to the lower frame. Look to see if the clamp has become loose, allowing the arm to rotate with the axle. If it has become detached, reclamp the brake arm facing the front of the bike.
What does it mean when your brakes don't work?
If you mean when you take a left turn or a right and the brakes don't work as well, check the brakes themselves, it is probably that your breaks aren't evenly spaced to the wheel. The break might be rubbing the wheel on one side and far from the wheel on the other. Thanks! Yes No.
How to clean a cable that is out?
If you remove the cable, use an aerosol solvent (or even WD-40) to flush any dirt or debris from the cable tube while the cable is out. Apply a light coat of lithium grease or machine oil to the cable, and reinstall it if it is not damaged. ...
How long does it take to adjust a coaster brake?
I highly recommend wearing these latex gloves and safety glasses for your own protection. Adjusting your coaster brake should take no more than 15 minutes, maybe a little longer if it is your first time.
How to tighten a coaster hub?
How do you tighten a coaster brake hub? You can easily tighten the coaster brake cones using cone wrenches. You want to make sure it is tight but not too tight. If the coaster brake cones are tightened too much the wheel will not rotate properly. If the cones remain too loose, the wheel will continue to wobble.
What wrench do I need to tighten a bike brake?
I have listed them below: Adjustable Wrench. Cone Wrenches. Screwdriver. An adjustable wrench is always good to have around and will help tighten and loosen the nuts attaching the coaster brake to your bike frame. You will also need some cone wrenches to tighten the rear wheel coaster brake hub.
What happens if you ride a cruiser?
March 21, 2018. June 7, 2019. If you ride your cruiser frequently, you may experience your coaster brake starting to get loose and not functioning optimally. You may notice the rear wheel wobbling, which makes riding your cruiser difficult and also dangerous so decided to figure out how to fix this.
How to put a reaction arm on a bike?
Place the rear wheel back onto your bike frame. Fit the chain back over the sprocket. Attach the reaction arm to the frame by screwing it into the metal band but remember to keep it loose so you can tighten the chain. Pull the wheel back until there is only a little slack in the chain.
How to stabilize a bike?
Step 1 – Stabilize Your Bike. Start by flipping your bike upside down so the handlebars and seat rest firmly on a flat surface. This will stabilize your bike so you can freely work on the rear wheel hub. If you have a friend or family member around, you can ask them to hold the bike as well.
Can you remove a bike wheel from a bike frame?
Once the wheel becomes loose, you can then disengage the chain from the hub sprocket. Now that the chain is disengaged, you can remove the wheel from the bike frame. *Note that if you are experienced, you probably will not need to disengage the chain or remove the wheel in order to tighten the coaster brake.
