son squeezed brake lever without tire in place. Now what?

[JonathanGennick]

I bought a new bike recently--my first with hydraulic brakes. Today I had the wheels off to switch tires, and my son squeezed the front brake handle. Oops! Not good. To get the front tire to go back on, I had to slip a screwdriver blade between the brake pads and lever them back away from each other. I managed to get the tire on, but the brake still drags. What can I do? It's an hour drive one way to get to the dealer. If there's an easy solution, I'd like to avoid the drive.

Brakes are Avid Juicy 3s, by the way.

I'm a bit worried about having used the screwdriver to pry the pads further apart. Is there anything I could have damaged by doing that?

[Mike T.]

I bought a new bike recently--my first with hydraulic brakes. Today I had the wheels off to switch tires, and my son squeezed the front brake handle. Oops! Not good. To get the front tire to go back on, I had to slip a screwdriver blade between the brake pads and lever them back away from each other. I managed to get the tire on, but the brake still drags. What can I do? It's an hour drive one way to get to the dealer. If there's an easy solution, I'd like to avoid the drive.

Brakes are Avid Juicy 3s, by the way.

I'm a bit worried about having used the screwdriver to pry the pads further apart. Is there anything I could have damaged by doing that?

You did right - just pry the pads apart. I use a couple of clean screwdrivers but some nervous nellies use plastic tire levers. If the brake is dragging, perform the op again - pry both pads all the way back and pump the lever until the pads adjust. That should do it. If they still drag then do the CPS adjustment (caliper positioning system) - it should be on their site.

[The Squeaky Wheel]

Throw out the bike. Buy a new one and start again.


Or do what Mike T wisely advises

[Mike T.]

Throw out the bike. Buy a new one and start again.

"Dear I have bad news. Junior squoze my brake lever and now I gotta buy a new bike. Sorry dear, your non-stick pans will have to wait."

[mtbsince1981]

Use the Disc Brake FAQ?

[dan0]

son squeezed the brakes huh ?
thats right up there with the dog farted

[JonathanGennick]

Throw out the bike. Buy a new one and start again.

LOL! My wife says only if she can throw me out and get a new husband .

I actually am about to buy another new bike. My wife is pretty good about letting me do that. I plan to buy a book on maintenance too...

[JonathanGennick]

BTW, thanks everyone, for the advice. I'll have a go at the brakes again after work tonight. I appreciate the help.

[rooftrash]

I love the humor of this place! :]
These posts are addicting.

[Mike T.]

Use the Disc Brake FAQ?

Naww, a couple of screwdrivers work better.

[anirban]

I actually am about to buy another new bike. My wife is pretty good about letting me do that. I plan to buy a book on maintenance too...

Wow, and here my GF is not letting me buy a wheelset and a drive train upgrade with my tax return... I strongly advise you to take advantage of her ignorance while it lasts!

[Klooginator]

Sounds like you are whipped Mr. Anirban...and you aren't even married yet!

[anirban]

Sounds like you are whipped Mr. Anirban...and you aren't even married yet!

Oh well... what can I say...

[JonathanGennick]

Wow, and here my GF is not letting me buy a wheelset and a drive train upgrade with my tax return... I strongly advise you to take advantage of her ignorance while it lasts!

Oh, my wife's not ignorant by any means. She knows full well what the bikes cost. She sees that I ride 'em a lot too, and she's supportive. I'm very lucky.

[DIRTJUNKIE]

LOL- Blame it on the kid, I never thought of that one.