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.

[@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.

[@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 =)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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***)

[@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!

[@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.

[@stevestevenson1486]

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

[@topper7070]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@mattm1660]

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

[@cjhoyle]

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.

[@TheAbbeyline]

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

[@johnrocket117]

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

[@mwliii]

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

[@badfelafel]

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

[@pheobsss]

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

[@ruthd7274]

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

[@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.

[@fudzzz]

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

[@zinvalis]

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

[@acpunker]

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

[@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!

[@azcarius]

Absolutely correct, i have the same problem too

[@azcarius]

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!

[@dandeangeli]

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

[@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!

[@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!.

[@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)

[@FueledByRyan0]

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

[@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'!

[@Kat-n-Ollie]

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

[@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!

[@dcmack1000]

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

[@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.

[@profzen1]

Best v brake video on youtube. Thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@aoa0ao]

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

[@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'

[@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).

[@toasterninja2808]

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

[@7Earthsky]

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

[@WiNktub]

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

[@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.

[@679j]

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

[@Chibob55]

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

[@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.

[@GravitationalFX]

Great video. I'm new to bike maint so this was a real help! Thanks.

[@wasimfayaz7195]

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

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@NRecob]

Very clear and easy to understand! Thank You!

[@alineconchadimas6649]

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

[@nicnak4475]

Well done mate for explaining things so well.

[@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 ;)

[@xxxpet]

excellent video now i've fixed up my bakes fine thanks,,

[@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!

[@karlmueller1842]

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

[@paulhewson7324]

Very Good ,sorted my Daughters bike out in no time

[@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!

[@Vinnievidivici]

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

[@matthewbooker2884]

Brilliant tutorial thanks, finally managed to sort my brake problem

[@57waterlily]

Thank you for making such an informative video.

[@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.

[@asseelyako4338]

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

[@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.

[@bukaw4life825]

still watching now 2019 thanks

[@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.

[@StingRayINC]

awesome Tutorial

[@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!

[@sophia1176]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@sourcecreator2222]

Excellent video and excellent explanations bro, thank you

[@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?

[@tabascojoe77]

Thanks! Managed to solve my problem

[@wurstbrot5874]

Straight and to the point, thank you.

[@BsrlinMAZ]

Thank you for your time and assistance.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem.

[@brucegerman3270]

Great video - thank you. Well explained, god visuals.

[@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.

[@wtfyman]

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

[@JJayLeeds]

great vid, thanks. I am going to see if I can fix mine now

[@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?

[@ASEmastermechanic]

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?

[@brianredahan]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@stephenbowden2221]

another awesome video thanks, keep em coming

[@tonyvoxu2]

Nice one. Thanks for sharing.

[@tmc8884]

Very good instructional video. Thank you.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@samueldelvalle9201]

Finally a video that makes sense

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear. Thanks.

[@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.

[@Darkagitarka]

Fantastic! Thank you very much!!

[@kingzlo]

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

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@james_marshall]

Good video as always, thank you CJ

[@ganqqwerty]

super useful video, thanks a lot!