How to Remove Bicycle Brake Levers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Struggling to remove your bicycle brake lever? This article explains how to do this.

When your bicycle brake lever becomes damages or doesn’t work anymore, you have to remove it. Failure to do so may cause accidents when you’re out cycling.

In this article, I discuss how to remove brake levers and even how to reinstall them back after removal. So, make sure you read to the end.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Bicycle Brake System

Bicycle brakes are an essential component of a bike’s safety system. The brake system is responsible for slowing down or stopping the bike, and it consists of several parts that work together to achieve this.

The brake system typically includes brake levers, brakes, brake cables, and brake pads. The brake lever is the part of the handle that the rider squeezes to activate the brakes. The brake lever is connected to the brake assembly by a brake cable, which transmits the squeezing motion to the brake pads.

There are several types of brakes, including v-brakes, disc brakes, and rim brakes. V-brakes and rim brakes are the most common types of brakes found on bikes.

V-brakes use a mechanism that clamps onto the rim of the wheel to slow down or stop the bike. Rim brakes, on the other hand, use brake pads that press against the rim of the wheel to slow down or stop the bike.

Disc brakes are another type of brake that is becoming increasingly popular on bikes. Disc brakes use a brake rotor attached to the wheel hub and a caliper that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor to slow down or stop the bike.

The brake pads are the part of the brake system that comes into contact with the wheel to slow down or stop the bike. The brake pads are typically made of rubber or other materials designed to provide friction against the wheel.

Understanding the different components of the bike’s brake system is crucial for maintaining and repairing the brakes. By understanding how each part works, you can diagnose and fix issues that may arise with their brakes.

Tools Needed

Removing bicycle brake levers requires a few tools to get the job done. Here are the essential tools needed to remove bicycle brake levers:

Allen Key

An Allen key, also known as a hex wrench, is a must-have tool when removing bicycle brake levers. It is used to loosen and tighten the bolts that hold the brake lever in place. The size of the Allen key needed will depend on the size of the bolts on the brake lever. It is important to have the correct size Allen key to avoid stripping the bolts.

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Wrench

A wrench is also needed to remove bicycle brake levers. It is used to loosen and tighten the bolts that hold the brake cable in place. The size of the wrench needed will depend on the size of the bolts on the brake lever. Have the correct size wrench to avoid damaging the bolts.

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Pliers

Pliers can also be useful when removing bicycle brake levers. They can be used to grip and hold the brake cable while the bolts are being loosened or tightened. Needle-nose pliers are the best type of pliers to use for this job.

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Cable Cutters

Cable cutters are needed when removing the brake cable from the brake lever. They are used to cut the cable cleanly and prevent fraying. Use the correct type of cable cutters to avoid damaging the cable.

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Rag

A rag is also needed when removing bicycle brake levers. It is used to wipe away any dirt or debris that may be on the brake lever or cable. This will help to prevent any damage to the brake lever or cable when removing them.

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By having these essential tools on hand, removing bicycle brake levers can be done quickly and easily.

Removing the Brake Levers

Removing the brake levers from a bicycle can be a simple process if you have the right tools and know what you are doing. The following steps will guide you through the process of removing brake levers from your bike.

First, loosen the bolt that holds the brake lever in place. The bolt is usually located on the underside of the handle and can be loosened with an Allen wrench. Once the bolt is loose, slide the brake lever up and off the handlebar.

If the brake lever is stuck, try spraying some lubricant around the bolt and wiggling the lever back and forth. This should help loosen any dirt or debris that may be causing the lever to stick.

Next, remove the grip from the handlebar. You do this by inserting a flathead screwdriver between the grip and the handlebar and twisting the screwdriver to loosen the grip. Once the grip is loose, slide it off the handlebar.

Now, you should be able to see the brake cable and the nut that holds it in place. Loosen the nut with a wrench and slide the cable out of the brake lever.

If you have V-brakes, you may need to remove the noodle from the brake arm before you can remove the cable. To do this, simply unhook the noodle from the brake arm and slide it out of the cable housing.

Finally, remove the brake lever from the handlebar by sliding it off the end. If the lever is still stuck, try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it.

Once the brake lever is removed, you can replace it with a new one or clean and re-install the old one. When re-installing the brake lever, make sure it is in the correct position and tighten the bolt securely.

Different brands of brake levers may have slightly different removal processes. Shimano and SRAM brake levers, for example, may have different bolts or require different tools to remove. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional mechanic if you are unsure about how to remove your brake levers.

Removing the Brake Cables

Removing the brake cables from the brake levers requires a few simple steps. First, you need to locate the brake cable and the cable housing. The brake cable is the inner cable that runs through the cable housing, which is the outer casing that protects the cable. The cable housing is usually made of metal or plastic and is attached to the bike frame.

Loosen the cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster on the brake caliper clockwise to remove the brake cable. Then, remove the cable retention bolt at the brake caliper and detach the cable from the caliper. After that, pull the cable out of the cable housing by sliding the cable out of the brake lever.

The cable housing can become brittle and crack over time due to exposure to the elements. If the cable housing is damaged, replace it along with the brake cable.

When removing the brake cable, inspect the cable and cable housing for any signs of damage or wear. If there are any frayed or damaged sections, it is best to replace the cable and housing to ensure proper braking performance.

Reinstalling the Brake Levers

Once the old brake levers have been removed, it’s time to reinstall the new ones. Here are the steps to follow:

Position the handle – Before installing the brake levers, make sure that the handle is in the correct position. The handle should be in a comfortable position where you can easily reach it without having to stretch too much.
Slide the grip onto the handlebars – If the grip was removed during the removal process, slide it back onto the handlebars. Ensure it’s in the correct position and tighten the screw or bolt that holds it in place.
Install the brake lever assembly – Place the brake lever assembly onto the handlebars in the correct position. The brake lever should be facing the front of the bike and the cable should be running through the lever.

Tighten the nut – Use a wrench to tighten the nut that holds the brake lever assembly in place. Make sure it’s tight enough so that the brake lever doesn’t move around, but not too tight that it damages the handlebars.
Attach the brake cable – Attach the brake cable to the brake lever assembly. Make sure it’s securely attached and tightened.
Adjust the position of the brake lever – Adjust the position of the brake lever so that it’s in a comfortable position. The brake lever should be easy to reach and use.

Test the brakes – Test the brakes to make sure they’re working properly. Squeeze the brake lever and make sure the brake pads are making contact with the rim or rotor. Adjust as necessary.

When reinstalling brake levers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Different brands, such as Shimano and SRAM, may have slightly different installation procedures. It’s also important to make sure the brake levers are compatible with the bike’s brake system, whether it’s V-brake or disc brakes.

FAQS

How do you remove a brake lever?

The process of removing a brake lever can vary depending on the type of brake system and the specific components involved. Here are some general steps for removing a brake lever:

Disconnect the brake cable: Loosen the cable anchor bolt or pinch bolt on the brake caliper or brake arm to release the cable from the brake. This will allow you to remove the brake lever without damaging the cable.
Remove the brake lever from the handlebar: Depending on the type of brake lever, you may need to remove a clamp bolt or screw that secures the lever to the handlebar. Use a wrench or Allen key to loosen the bolt or screw and slide the lever off the handlebar.
Remove the brake lever from the brake assembly: Some brake systems may require you to remove additional components, such as brake arms or brake calipers, to remove the brake lever. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembling the brake system.

Replace or reinstall the brake lever: If you are replacing the brake lever, install the new lever in the reverse order of the removal process. If you are reinstalling the same brake lever, make sure it is clean and free of damage before reattaching it to the bike.

Note: These are general steps, and the specific process may vary depending on the type of brake system and components involved.

How do you loosen a bike brake lever?

Loosening a bike brake lever can be done by adjusting the cable tension. Here are the general steps to loosen a bike brake lever:

Locate the barrel adjuster: Most brake levers have a barrel adjuster located near the brake lever or on the brake caliper. The barrel adjuster looks like a small knob or screw that can be turned to adjust the cable tension.
Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise: Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise to loosen the brake lever. This will increase the slack in the cable and reduce the tension on the brake lever.
Check the brake lever: After adjusting the barrel adjuster, check the brake lever to ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning. If the brake lever is too loose, you need to adjust the barrel adjuster further or check the brake pads for wear.

Test the brakes: Once you have adjusted the brake lever, test the brakes to make sure they are functioning properly. Squeeze the brake lever and ensure the brake pads engage with the rim or rotor and that the bike comes to a complete stop.

How do you remove brake levers from drop bars?

Here are the general steps to remove brake levers from drop bars:

Release the brake cable: Use a 5mm Allen wrench to loosen the cable anchor bolt on the brake caliper or brake arm. This will release the cable tension and allow you to remove the brake lever without damaging the cable.

Locate the brake lever clamp: The brake lever clamp is the part that secures the brake lever to the handlebar. It is typically located on the underside of the handlebar, near the stem.
Loosen the brake lever clamp: Use a 5mm Allen wrench to loosen the clamp bolt on the brake lever. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it, but do not remove it completely.
Remove the brake lever from the handlebar: Once the clamp bolt is loose, you can slide the brake lever off the handlebar. Be careful not to damage the brake cable or housing as you remove the lever.

Remove the clamp from the brake lever: If you need to remove the clamp from the brake lever, use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to remove the bolt that secures the clamp to the lever.
Reinstall or replace the brake lever: If you are reinstalling the same brake lever, clean it and inspect it for damage before reattaching it to the bike. If you are replacing the brake lever, install the new lever in the reverse order of the removal process.

Why is my bike brake lever stuck?

There are several reasons why a bike brake lever may be stuck. Here are some common causes:

Cable tension: If the brake cable is too tight, it can cause the brake lever to become stuck in the engaged position. Check the cable tension and adjust it as needed.
Dirt or debris: Dirt or debris can get lodged in the brake lever mechanism, causing it to become stuck. Clean the brake lever and surrounding area to remove any dirt or debris.
Corrosion or rust: Over time, the brake lever mechanism can become corroded or rusted, causing it to become stuck. Use a rust remover or lubricant to loosen the mechanism.

Damaged or worn parts: If a component of the brake lever mechanism is damaged or worn, it can cause the lever to become stuck. Inspect the brake lever and surrounding components for damage or wear and replace any damaged parts.
Incorrect installation: If the brake lever was not installed correctly, it can cause it to become stuck. Check the installation instructions and make sure the lever is properly installed.

How do you remove a shift lever from a bike?

Here are the general steps to remove a shift lever from a bike:

Shift to the smallest chainring and smallest cog: Before removing the shift lever, shift the chain to the smallest chainring and smallest cog to release the tension on the shifter cable.
Locate the shifter cable: The shifter cable is the cable that runs from the shift lever to the derailleur. It is typically located on the underside of the handlebar, near the stem.
Loosen the cable anchor bolt: Use a 5mm Allen wrench to loosen the cable anchor bolt on the derailleur. This will release the cable tension and allow you to remove the shift lever without damaging the cable.

Locate the shift lever clamp: The shift lever clamp is the part that secures the shift lever to the handlebar. It is typically located on the underside of the handlebar, near the brake lever.
Loosen the shift lever clamp: Use a 5mm Allen wrench to loosen the clamp bolt on the shift lever. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it, but do not remove it completely.
Remove the shift lever from the handlebar: Once the clamp bolt is loose, you can slide the shift lever off the handlebar. Be careful not to damage the shifter cable or housing as you remove the lever.

Remove the clamp from the shift lever: If you need to remove the clamp from the shift lever, use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to remove the bolt that secures the clamp to the lever.
Reinstall or replace the shift lever: If you are reinstalling the same shift lever, clean it and inspect it for damage before reattaching it to the bike. If you are replacing the shift lever, install the new lever in the reverse order of the removal process.

How do you adjust bicycle brake levers for small hands?

Adjusting bicycle brake levers for small hands can make it easier and more comfortable to brake. Here are the general steps to adjust the brake levers for small hands:

Look for the reach adjustment screw: Most brake levers have a reach adjustment screw that allows you to adjust the distance between the brake lever and the handlebar. The screw is usually located on the inside of the brake lever.
Loosen the reach adjustment screw: Use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the reach adjustment screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it.
Adjust the reach: Move the brake lever closer to the handlebar by sliding it along the handlebar until it is comfortable for your hand size.

Tighten the reach adjustment screw: Once you have adjusted the reach, use the Allen wrench to tighten the reach adjustment screw. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it.
Test the brakes: After adjusting the brake levers, test the brakes to make sure they are functioning properly. Squeeze the brake lever and make sure the brake pads engage with the rim or rotor and that the bike comes to a complete stop.

What do the screws on bike brake levers do?

Bike brake levers usually have two types of screws:

Reach adjustment screw: The reach adjustment screw is used to adjust the distance between the brake lever and the handlebar. This screw is usually located on the inside of the brake lever and can be turned with an Allen wrench. By adjusting the reach, you can make it easier for smaller hands to reach the brake lever or adjust the brake lever to your personal preference.
Cable tension adjustment screw: The cable tension adjustment screw is used to adjust the tension on the brake cable. This screw is usually located on the brake lever or brake caliper and can be turned with an Allen wrench. By adjusting the cable tension, you can ensure that the brake pads engage with the rim or rotor properly and that the brakes are working effectively.

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