How to Repair V-Brakes on a Bicycle

This is a quick tutorial about fixing and tuning V-Brakes on your bike.
The bike featured in this video is my daily commuting bike.

[@newangelpark4551]

I like that this is performed without a fancy workshop. Like real life. Outside in the cold. Very practical feel to this video, thanks.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. I always make a point of using real bikes which have actually been ridden for my demonstrations.

[@Deedz1924]

13 years later, this video is just what I needed!

[@pobept747]

Nobody else covers this, one of the most common faults. all they cover is the obvious adjustment of a brand new fully working brake. Thanks for covering it and with crystal clarity.

[@knifelunatic]

These are truly the best bike tutorials on the internet. Its great to see maintenance and repairs from a commuter's point of view and not some "weekend only" recreational rider.

[@thomasroberts2869]

Not gonna lie, initially I thought this would not be a good video. Low quality video recording and an old bike. BUT I was very very wrong. Possibly the best video on this topic available. Thoroughly went through everything (not just adjust the screws) and was clear. Thank you. Good example of not judging a book by its cover.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. I really should get around to filming an updated tutorial on this topic.

[@rheycabuloy2012]

For some reason, the really old tutorial videos, those that took less money and technology to make are the ones that makes sense. I learned more from this video than the other studio grade production ones.

[@cjhoyle]

I've received similar comments in the past. I still post bike maintenance tutorials, and although I feel that I've gotten better at it since I made this one, I try to keep many aspects the same as what people appreciate about these older videos.

[@MrBabarmalik]

That was fantastic mate, I searched KZbin for ages to find a video explaining how to sort a slow releasing arm and how to correctly adjust the springs as well. Now I can sort and have confidence in my 5 year old boys brakes!

[@jubs1533]

This was exactly what I was after. I feel confident that I can have a go myself rather than paying a bike shop - thank you.

[@jamiebrayden6934]

I guess I'm kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to stream new series online?

[@maxwelldayton9967]

@Jamie Brayden Flixportal :D

[@jamiebrayden6934]

@Maxwell Dayton Thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it!!

[@maxwelldayton9967]

@Jamie Brayden Happy to help =)

[@donlucey]

Excellent video. Having watched a few other similar videos, I was still having trouble adjusting my brakes. One arm was sticking to the rim. After watching your video, I successfully adjusted my brakes. The main thing was moving the internal brake spring from the bottom to the middle hole on the bike frame, so that the spring pushed the arm out slightly more away from the wheel rim. Great job because of a great video. Well done.

[@joeracer302]

This was the most thorough video about repairing and adjusting v-brakes that I came across. Thanks for putting it together, it has helped me out a lot!

[@patmolloy5342]

Really helpful video. I also watched several and couldn't address the problem mentioned below. You are a knowledgable and excellent teacher. Thank you.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@peterderuiter2937]

its an old video and old type of brakes, but man it is a good video. You're a natural teacher

[@cjhoyle]

Thank you, I'm glad you found it helpful. I really need to get around to making a newer version of this tutorial!

[@Hovis_Enjoyer]

Perfect video, I've had so many services on my bike, and none of them have worked. it blows my mind how they cant know such a simple fix, thank you

[@mattm1660]

Thanks for the video. This video has Been helping people fix their brakes for a decade. Good stuff

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@topper7070]

Thanks you saved me money. Taken me 50 years to find out how. Perfect. Cheers

[@johnrocket117]

What a great explaination! other "professional" videos suck but this video was perfect, did a great job showing and explaining. Thanks!

[@sizlax]

Damn, this is a hell of a lot more useful than those top videos that first showed up of that guy replacing brakes on brand new bicycles, and everything going perfectly..

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks! The kind of videos that you're referring to are exactly what originally motivated me to start making my own tutorials showing real world bike repairs.

[@sizlax]

@@cjhoyle Right on. Good to see there's some people out there with originally and a brain in their heads, lol.. the rise of the millennials killed most of that.

[@ratoneJR]

finally, someone does this job correctly. so many people just bend the spring. maybe bend the spring as a last resort "fix". this method should be done first. good job

[@kratkidokumentarci224]

bending springs should never be the case..

[@fisty539]

my dad bent the spring without telling me, announcing that he had fixed it. I asked what did you do and he said he made it from 'not working' (squealing) to 'working', I kept asking what why and how so he just said 'okay I'll make it not work again!' then left. I kept asking how did he know what to do and could he teach me but he just left. I found this vid and boom, 5 min fix. (yeah my dad is a c***)

[@stevestevenson1486]

totally agree with Krishna about 'so much better than the high profile bike videos' comment....I think you just saved my sanity

[@fudzzz]

You explained all aspects of how to fix this type of brake. Thanks so much man! I'm gonna go fix mine now.

[@kaekocrofts7459]

After watching a few other tutorials I can honestly say yours is by far the best. You explain everything so simply and clearly (and without an ego!). A huge thank you cjhoyle! You are an absolute star!

[@azcarious]

Absolutely correct, i have the same problem too

[@azcarious]

He did the tutorial immediately and explains everything at a good language and show use that it is easy

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped you!

[@TheAbbeyline]

Very good, after 60 years I now know how to correctly adjust my bikes brakes. thank you.

[@badfelafel]

Brilliant, many thanks for this. Have not been helped by a dozen webpages, this video had me sorted out in no time. Great!

[@mwliii]

Thanks for the exact instructions with close up video. A great help and now my son's bike is working great. Thanks!

[@cjhoyle]

@thiswilldoblue I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The problem you described you should be able to fix by cleaning and re-greasing the contact surfaces of the brake arms, and by making sure the springs are set in the tightest hole in the frame (both are described in the video). Let me know know the repair goes!.

[@LaGorda43]

Very well done video, thanks again. At 10:40 you explain the adjustment of the barrel, if I were replacing the cable, do I begin at the barrel fully extended or fully in after I take the cable off the brake handle?

[@lolly4string]

Fantastic info and clear & concise video filming. Was going to replace my v brakes, will try to clean and regrease spings and pivot arms etc first (arms quite stiff and don't spring away smoothly etc)

[@pheobsss]

Your video just saved me from having to use plubic transportation tomorrow, thanks a lot!

[@skvakagud]

Ah okay. :) I will do that tomorrow if possible. But in short, when u remove the wire from the other arm, as if you were gonna take the wheel off. The right arm keeps pushing towards the rim, as if the spring don't work. When I took the arm off completely though, the spring did seem to work. I replaced it in the bottom hole for maxiumum spring effect (after having seen you'r video.) But it still keeps wanting to be up against the wheel, as if the spring was reversed. Will record tomorrow though.

[@mwj5368]

You are a good teacher, at explaining things and nice close-ups with your camera. Now I think I've pinpointed my brake problem of one side not with drawing away from the rim and seems stiff. You saved me a lot of money if I had a shop do it. THANKS!

[@gr8catsby]

THANK YOU for this!!! What with COVID-19 and bike shops being hard to get at, I was really happy to find your video. Turns out all I needed to do was adjust the screw that affects the spring. But in the process of watching your video I learned a lot more than that.

[@SimplyThinkDreams]

Thanks a lot man! Great video. All the other videos I watched never mentioned what the little screw on the sides were for. It turns out that I needed to adjust those to even up the pad spacing. Awesome job on showing a full brake adjustment and not just part of it!

[@flin9819]

That was a very nice discussion of brake repair. Really appreciate your discussion. To the point and covered all the basics. Thank you very much.

[@phantomantichrist3719]

Very informative video. Now I fully understand how the v brakes work. Needed help repairing some on a trike for my father.

[@cjhoyle]

Good to hear.

[@TheRiraki]

very nice video, well done! you explained everything carefully and I loved your attitude usually some people sound so arrogant in their videos like they know everything

[@FueledByRyan0]

Very clear and thorough review! And successfully taught a newbie the basics! Thanks!!

[@christo930]

I have center pull cantilever V brakes with threadless posts. These things can be adjusted in every dimension, up down back forth in and out, even a slight toe can be achieved. Do you have a video on those types? If not, do can you make one?

[@Milkydrink_]

Hi thanks for the reply - I did manage in the end to pull the arm off - I took the rear wheel off, put my foot on the frame adjacent to the post and pulled the arm - it was a bit of a struggle but it popped off in the end!

[@zinvalis]

your helpful video just saved me another 20 bucks. thanks for these informative videos.

[@greag1e]

Thanks!!! I should have searched YT first. Just replaced my worn pads with some new ones and one side was sticking and I stripped out the spring screw trying to fix. Didn't even occur to me to take off the V brake and lube and clean the inside. Thanks. Problem fixed. Can still turn screw with needle nose :) 15 minutes and cleaned all four brakes.

[@ruthd7274]

Thanks so much. Very clear. Better than any others I've seen.

[@dandeangeli]

Hey CJ Thanks...your video allowed me to fix my sticky V brake quite nicely....I appreicate it.

[@cymruboy94]

could you help me out mate? I've been adjusting my bike after not using for a while but my back brake on one side sticks. If I pull it away from the rim the first time I pull the brake brake it works, with both left and right side gripping the rim but then only the right side pulls away from the rim. Ive tryed undoing the bolt that holds the brake to the frame but it doesnt come off so cant really see if needs oil/lubricating. any tips mate on what it could be or what i should do??

[@mabast007]

THanks CJ. Can you make a video on how to fix or repair brake handle. When you pull the brake, it won't go back to normal position.

[@cjhoyle]

I'm not really sure what you mean. Do you mean that the hole in the left arm seems too small to fit onto the support on the bike? Have you cleaned the surface of that mount, the way I showed in the video? Or is the problem more related to the spring not wanting to sit properly? If you make a video showing and describing the problem I will take a look and give you my advice.

[@yemarican]

Thank you so much my friend.. I appreciate your time and your neat work. This is very helpful. I am trying to fix my kids two bikes... this is very efficient.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, glad this was helpful!

[@cjhoyle]

Most likely this means that your brake pad on that arm is not correctly positioned. Try to put the brake pad in a position where it makes full contact with the rim, but also so that the arm doesn't touch the tire (this can usually be achieved by raising the pad up and down vertically). If this doesn't resolve the issue, your brake pads might be too thin and need to be replaced.

[@acpunker]

thanks bud. This is very clear and you really explained a heap about the way they work.

[@skvakagud]

btw. I have tryed to tighten the wire so much, that it couldnt move around in side the break at the handlebars, but it just made the issue with the arms worse, and it didnt seem possible to find a balance for both to work.

[@679j]

Very good tutorial - good tips and filming, clipping etc. Thank you very much.

[@khalilkh7389]

Great video 👍 wich types of lubricate Can be use?

[@billyponsonby]

The best on this subject I have seen. Cheers 🇬🇧

[@wtfyman]

I noticed your brake level on the left of the handlebar was controlling the front brake. Mines the opposite...

[@scoop4321]

Great video, good job explaining the steps you took. I noticed your cable boot is torn, and I have a cheap fix for you. Just get a some piece of rubber hose about 1/4 inch inside diameter ( from an auto parts store) and cut it to about 2 inches or so. It has to be short enough so you can unhook the cable from the noodle. Place the cable inside it, and slip it over the noodle end. It should stay in place, and it works really well.

[@toasterninja2808]

Your video addressed all of the issues I was having with my brakes. Great information presented clearly. Thank you for the video!

[@cjhoyle]

hmm I can't say I've ever experienced the issue you're describing. From your description, if the arm can still rotate then I wouldn't think it would be significantly bent. I would expect that maybe the end of the spring is stuck in it's hole in the frame. I've always been able to get it free just by jiggling the arm, but you might also use a hammer and small nail to push the spring out from the other side. Let me know if this advice is helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@thiswilldoblue]

Good upload. Simply explained and you have now given me the confidence to have a go myself. (My brakes are pulling on ok but not releasing quickly or fully).

[@Straynj3]

Super helpful! I'm about to start my first winter riding session through Toronto.

[@cjhoyle]

Nice! Have you seen my video series on winter cycling?

[@Straynj3]

Nope but I noticed you have them, so I'll check 'em out!

[@aoa0ao]

This is a great video. I wish I would have seen this years ago!

[@pondlife1952]

Thanks for the tutorial. Just what I was looking for to get my wife her bike back on the road as her 18mth old Bosch battery bike has gone 'tits up'!

[@jamandjarff]

I had to login to tell you that this is an excellent video. All encompassing and simply put. Thank you. I'm now a subscriber'

[@profzen1]

Best v brake video on youtube. Thanks

[@wasimfayaz7195]

Wow you have explained it very well each and every was doubt was clarified. Good job

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@7Earthsky]

This problem has been hell annoying for me......Very informative video...Thank you.

[@baboon_bandito]

Tightening the screw on one side of the V-brakes will bring the brake pad closer to the rim on that same side. Loosening the screw on the opposite side will bring the brake pad closer to the rim on the opposing side.

[@Kat-n-Ollie]

Ok, going to try to adjust my breaks. Thank you for the video.

[@Milkydrink_]

Excellent video! I have taken the allen headed bolt off one side and the arm came off no problem - cleaned and put back on. The other side - allen headed bolt out - the arm still rotates around the post - but I cannot pull the arm off at all. I have tried WD40 (no joy) and then a persuader (hammer and thin metal drift) to try and nudge the arm off the post - do you think the post is bent? The bike is second hand and I am fixing it up.

[@cjhoyle]

It is really hard to diagnose the problem that you are having based on your description of it. It sounds like you might be having a problem with the cable sticking. If that is the case, you might be able to resolve it by cleaning and lubricating the cable and cable housing, or replacing the cable. If you can record a video showing and explaining your issue, I would be happy to take a look at it and offer you any advice that I have.

[@mdname5893]

Thank you for all of your video's! The way you explain everything is awesome, clear, and starts from step 1 to the end. I never found anybody who explains how to repair a bike as well as you! Thank you. Is it ok if my limit screws are facing down towards the floor? I put my pin in the hole that has the tightest tension and the limit screw on, my brake shoe, is connected to the pin that goes into the hole, so when the pin is in the hole with the most tension the limit screws are facing down, but are not straight?

[@bowehj96]

I can only echo what others have said: this isn't "polished" but *damn* is it good. So many other vids are "polished" or "professional" but much less useful than this vid. And you did it in what I assume is Canadian winter. Thank you!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. One day hopefully I'll get around to remaking this video in a way that should be even better.

[@dcmack1000]

Many thanks! Now I understand what I was doing wrong. Great video and explanation. Again, thanks!

[@skvakagud]

My front left arm won't retract properly, and also. The part which holds the wire at the handlebars. (The "U" shaped metal piece with 2 holes, which comes out when u pull the break.) is moving around. Sometimes even gettin stuck on its way back in after having pulled the break. Could anybody please send me a PM, on what I might need to do about it? Thanks! :)

[@Chibob55]

just what I needed. You saved me a trip to canadian tire

[@alineconchadimas6649]

awesome video!! Very well made step by step! It solved some questions about adjustments.. Thanks!

[@codediporpal]

Wow your videos are awesome! Just ordered some new pads I'll be using to replace my old ones using your other video, but I think I'll give the brake mechanisms a good cleaning while I'm at using this video ;)

[@nicnak4475]

Well done mate for explaining things so well.

[@johnpatrick5497]

Great video! After having fixed some play on my back wheel, I put it all back together to find that my rear brakes were now all out of line. This was just what I needed to get the pads all lined up and centered properly again. However, now this leads to another question. My rear brakes do work now, but I find the brake handle up by my handlebars is a little too easy to squeeze. It doesn't have the same snap like my front brake has. I'm thinking this is because, over time, my rear brake cable stretched a bit and now it's a bit too long. Near the end of this video, you mentioned that there were a couple ways to adjust the cable tension. Would there be another video that shows how to do this? Thanks again! Your bike maintenance videos have been very helpful. Take care.

[@cjhoyle]

There are two ways to adjust the cables. At the spot where the cable comes out of the brake levers there is usually a round metal piece which you can spin. This is called a 'barrel adjuster' and it allows you to make minor adjustments to the cables. If you rotate it out, so it comes further out of the brake lever, it will remove some of the slack and should make your rear brakes feel more similar to your front. The other way to adjust the cable is to loosen the bolt which clamps the cable to the brake arm, reposition the cable and then re-tighten the bolt.

[@johnpatrick5497]

@@cjhoyle Thank you for the information. I tried both of the things you suggested. I couldn't find a way to reposition the cable. There only seems to be one place to position it in. Also, my brake cables don't have barrel adjusters at the handle bars. Only the gear shift cables do. As I was trying to loosen the bolt on the brake handle, the spring and washers popped out. However, I was able to get that back to how it's supposed to be. So I guess on the bright side, I'm figuring out how to fix all kinds of other things on my bike. I still keep ending up back to my sloppy rear brake handle though. I wish there was a way to could share pictures with you on here so you could see what I mean. Thank you again though.

[@cjhoyle]

@@johnpatrick5497 Please feel free to email me. My email address is listed in the About section of my main KZbin channel page. With respect to repositioning the cable, the spot I'm referring to is where the bolt clamps the cable to the brake arm. To reposition, you loosen the bolt, which unclamps the cable. Then the cable is free to slide through the clamp in either direction. There are essentially infinite positions you can put it before reclamping the bolt.

[@WiNktub]

Thanks for the video. I needed to see about the spring inside.

[@karlmueller1842]

Thanks for the video, it really helps a lot! Your vidoes really are excellent instructions!!

[@Vinnievidivici]

Cheers for this! Very good video, well detailed and well made.

[@NRecob]

Very clear and easy to understand! Thank You!

[@paulhewson7324]

Very Good ,sorted my Daughters bike out in no time

[@asseelyako4338]

Thank you very much it helped me to fix my daughter's bike

[@nightfalls5462]

i have the problem where my v brake arms just dont go back at all, i cleaned it before i watched this video wich is excellent btw. but they're still incredible sturdy... perhaps i didnt cleaned it good enough?

[@cjhoyle]

Yes perhaps. If the pivot points feel rough they might be corroded, which you can fix by rubbing them with steel wool.

[@nightfalls5462]

@@cjhoyle hey thx for the reply, i fixed it now, it turns out when i removed the brake, the cilinder that holded it all together stayed on the pivot because of corrosion, i fixed it by using brute force, and oil, they work perfect now

[@lutech598]

What are you using

[@57waterlily]

Thank you for making such an informative video.

[@matthewbooker2884]

Brilliant tutorial thanks, finally managed to sort my brake problem

[@balderdashery1]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing! I am looking forward to watching your winter cycling vids. It should keep me motivated to ride in the rain here on Vancouver Island. Monsoon season from October to June. Ha ha

[@sophia1176]

Yo this actually worked. I realized I was turning that adjustment screw the wrong way 🤦‍♂️

[@YuriSoul2222]

Excellent video and excellent explanations bro, thank you

[@noelybarra1769]

What does the screw on the brake handle do?

[@PaulChapman1bz]

Hi Noel. It adjusts the lever according to your finger length without affecting braking.

[@tmc8884]

Very good instructional video. Thank you.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@osceolahansen2644]

Thanks for this vid. Question: after I've adjusted & balanced my Vbrakes I fan the brakes just to check function & im noticing that one side sticks intermittently. Any idea why this is happening?

[@cjhoyle]

+ozzie hansen It the brake pad is always rubbing at the same point in the rotation of the wheel, the rim is probably slightly out of true. I'd recommend truing your wheel. I have another video on this topic.

[@michaelkearns7481]

The Adventurous Cyclist

[@ctf7379]

nearly all videos i watched on youtube didnt mention how the grease part. The two brakes arms are always asymmetric and i have no idea why. I guess friction is the reason. Thankyou and I will try later

[@cjhoyle]

I'm glad my video gave you the information you needed. Thanks.

[@samglew9357]

Great video very explanatory thank you 🙂

[@kingzlo]

Wow, this Video is a Classic. Thanks for this video.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@caseyellie]

Perfect ! Just what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@RachelShearman]

Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for 🚴‍♀️

[@jonylovescats]

Super helpful, man. Many thanks 👍

[@BsrlinMAZ]

Thank you for your time and assistance.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem.