brake cables on the tandem...

[hipmama]

So, my rear brake cable is stretched out, I'm guessing is the problem.
Started when I was thinking the brakes were too tight and grabbing the tire, so I loosened them just a tad. Then it messed up the whole system. Now when I pull the brakes, they don't snap back, and the cable pulls out of the locking system. Every time I think I get it tight and fixed in the handlebars, the brakes are so tight on the rear tire I can't move it. As soon as I loosen the brakes, it's a mess all over again. When I pull the brake handle and let it go I can see the slack just sitting there in the cable line.
Suggestions with really easy to understand directions would really be appreciated!

[alimey]

Hi there

I think the problem is that the inner wire cable is 'sticky' inside the plastic covered outer, so the spring within the brake calliper is not strong enough to return the pads to their off position. A quick fix to try is to dribble wet lube/oil into the outer - if you remove it it will be easier to do.

If this doesn't fix the problem - just replace both the cable & outer. Rear brake cable runs are so long on tandems they need to run perfectly - we tend to replace ours every year or so just to keep it all moving freely.

Remove the old cable & outer. Measure the new outer & cut it to the same lengths as the old one - am sure there are youtube videos to help you, or Sheldon Brown's website always has the right answers! Alternatively - if you don't want to have a go, this is a quick & easy (& cheap) job for a bike shop.

Hope this helps

[hipmama]

Yup, the lube was the key! Got things really set well this morning and it was still being draggy so I heffed it to the bike shop, they sprayed it, I thunked myself on the head with a nice "duh" and thanked them. Thanks!