Properly functioning brakes are a crucial aspect of bike safety, and it’s important to know how to identify and fix issues with electric bike brakes.
To fix electric bike brakes, you need to identify the problem, adjust or replace the necessary components, and bleed the hydraulic system if needed.
In this article, we will discuss common problems with electric bike brakes and how to troubleshoot and fix them.
Identifying the Problem
When it comes to electric bike brakes, identifying the problem is the first step in fixing any issues. Some common brake problems include squeaky or noisy brakes, weak or ineffective braking, and sticking brakes. Identifying the problem can be done through a visual inspection of the brake components and a test ride to check the performance of the brakes.
If you’re experiencing issues with your eBike’s hydraulic brakes, be sure to read our article on why they might not be working.
Common brake issues and their symptoms
Squeaking or Squealing Noise
If your brakes make a high-pitched, squeaking or squealing sound, it is usually an indication that the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
Slow or Unresponsive Brakes
If your brakes feel less responsive, or take longer to slow down or stop the bike, it could be an indication that the brake pads are worn or contaminated with dirt and debris. Another potential issue could be that the brake cables have become stretched or corroded.
Loose Brake Levers
If the brake levers feel loose or wobbly, it could be due to a loose or worn out cable, or a loose or worn out brake lever itself.
Sticky or Grabbing Brakes
If your brakes feel sticky or like they are grabbing, it could be an indication of a problem with the brake calipers. The calipers may need to be cleaned and lubricated or replaced.
Vibration or Shaking
If the bike vibrates or shakes when braking, it could be due to warped or worn out brake rotors.
Inspection of brake components
To begin, inspect the brake pads and rotor for any signs of wear or damage. The brake pads should have at least 1mm of thickness, and the rotor should be free of any deep grooves or warping. Check the brake calipers for proper alignment and adjust them if necessary.
Next, test the brake performance by going for a short ride and applying the brakes. Listen for any unusual sounds, such as squeaking or grinding, and feel for any abnormalities in the brake performance.
If the problem is not immediately apparent, try some troubleshooting tips. This may include adjusting the brake cable tension, cleaning the brake pads and rotor, or replacing the brake pads if they are worn.
If you’re considering upgrading your eBike’s mechanical disc brakes to hydraulic ones, you may find our article on this topic helpful as well.
Adjusting Electric Bike Brakes
The first step to adjusting the brakes is to check the cable tension. This is done by squeezing the brake lever and assessing the amount of resistance in the lever. If there is too much play or the lever feels spongy, the cable tension needs to be adjusted.
To adjust the cable tension, locate the barrel adjuster near the brake lever or caliper. Turning the barrel adjuster clockwise will increase cable tension, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it. Make small adjustments until the brake lever feels firm, but not too tight.
Centering the Brake Pads
If the brake pads are not centered, one pad may contact the rim before the other, causing uneven wear and reduced stopping power. To center the brake pads, loosen the mounting bolt on the brake caliper and center the pads on either side of the rim. Once centered, tighten the mounting bolt.
Adjusting the Brake Caliper
If the brake pads are properly centered and the cable tension is adjusted, but the brakes still don’t feel right, the brake caliper may need to be adjusted. The caliper is the part of the brake that holds the brake pads and squeezes them against the rim.
To adjust the brake caliper, loosen the mounting bolts that attach it to the frame or fork. With the brake lever squeezed, align the caliper with the rim so that the pads make contact with the rim evenly. Tighten the mounting bolts once aligned.
Replacing Brake Pads
Before replacing your brake pads, it’s important to identify whether they are worn or not. Some signs of worn brake pads include:
- Reduced stopping power: If you notice that your bike is taking longer to come to a stop than usual, it could be due to worn brake pads.
- Squeaking or squealing: As the brake pads wear down, they may start to make a squeaking or squealing noise when you apply the brakes.
- Glazing: If your brake pads become glazed, they will feel smooth and hard to the touch, reducing their ability to grip the wheel and slow you down.
Steps to Replace Brake Pads
- Remove the wheel: To access the brake pads, you’ll need to remove the wheel. Follow the instructions in your bike’s user manual to do this safely.
- Remove the old brake pads: Locate the brake pads on your bike and remove them by loosening the retaining bolt or clip. You may need to use pliers to pull them out.
- Clean the brake pad area: Use a cloth or brush to clean the area around the brake pads, removing any dirt or debris that could affect their performance.
- Install the new brake pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure they are properly aligned with the wheel rim. Tighten the retaining bolt or clip to secure them in place.
- Reinstall the wheel: Once the new brake pads are installed, put the wheel back in place and tighten the bolts or quick release lever.
- Test the brakes: Before riding your electric bike, test the brakes to make sure they are working properly. Squeeze the brake lever gently and check that the pads make contact with the rim and slow the bike down.
Bleeding Hydraulic Brakes
Hydraulic brakes use hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to the brake pads, which slows down or stops the bike. The system consists of a brake lever, brake line, and a brake caliper. When the brake lever is pressed, it activates a plunger in the master cylinder, which pushes hydraulic fluid through the brake line to the caliper. This causes the brake pads to press against the rotor, slowing down or stopping the bike.
Over time, air can get trapped in the brake system, which can cause a spongy or weak brake response. Some signs that your hydraulic brakes need bleeding include:
- Soft or spongy brake lever
- Lack of stopping power
- Brake lever goes all the way to the handlebar
- Prolonged stopping distance
For more information on maintaining your eBike’s hydraulic brakes, don’t miss our article on how often bike hydraulic brakes need bleeding.
Steps to Bleed Hydraulic Brakes
Bleeding hydraulic brakes involves removing air from the brake system and replacing it with hydraulic fluid. Here are the steps to bleed hydraulic brakes on an electric bike:
- Prepare the bike: Make sure the bike is secure on a bike stand or on the ground with the wheels off. Remove the brake pads and rotor.
- Remove the old fluid: Using a syringe, remove the old hydraulic fluid from the brake system. Be careful not to get any fluid on the bike frame or components.
- Refill the system: Fill the brake system with new hydraulic fluid. Make sure the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum lines.
- Bleed the brakes: Attach the bleed hose to the bleed nipple on the brake caliper. Slowly pump the brake lever several times to force air bubbles out of the system. Once all the air bubbles are out, tighten the bleed nipple and remove the hose.
- Test the brakes: Replace the brake pads and rotor, and then test the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. If the brake lever still feels spongy or weak, repeat the bleeding process.
FAQs
How long do ebike brakes last?
It depends on the usage and maintenance, but on average they can last from 1,000 to 5,000 miles.
Why did my bike brakes stop working?
There could be various reasons such as worn brake pads, cable tension issues, or hydraulic brake fluid leakage.
How do electric bike brakes work?
Electric bike brakes work similarly to traditional bike brakes, using either mechanical or hydraulic systems to engage brake pads or discs and stop the bike’s motion.
How do you adjust hydraulic brakes on an electric bike?
To adjust hydraulic brakes on an electric bike, you need to follow the specific instructions for the brake system you have installed, which will involve adjusting the cable tension, centering the brake pads, and adjusting the brake caliper as needed.
Conclusion
With the proper tools and knowledge, fixing electric bike brakes can be a straightforward process. By knowing the common issues and solutions, adjusting cable tension, centering brake pads, replacing brake pads, bleeding hydraulic brakes, and addressing other issues that may arise, riders can keep their electric bikes in good working order and ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
