E-Bike Brakes Weak or Not Working

In plain English

Weak brakes usually come from worn pads, oil or grease on the rotor or pads, or (on cable brakes) a stretched cable. A hydraulic lever that feels spongy or pulls to the handlebar usually means air in the system or a leak, which needs bleeding by a shop.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Check what kind of brakes you haveFree Cable brakes have a metal cable running to the brake. Hydraulic brakes have a smooth plastic hose and a fluid reservoir on the lever. The fixes differ.
2. 2Look at the padsFree Disc brakes: look into the caliper from above. Rim brakes: look at the rubber blocks. If there's very little pad left, replace them. See our pad guides.
3. 3Check for oil on the rotorFree If the rotor looks shiny-stained or the brakes squeal and won't grip, it's probably contaminated. Clean the rotor with brake cleaner. Oily pads usually need replacing.
4. 4Tighten cable brakes with the barrel adjusterEasy On cable brakes, turn the small barrel where the cable enters the lever a few turns counter-clockwise. The lever should firm up. Check the cable for fraying or rust.
5. 5Test before you rideEasy Push the bike and squeeze each brake. The wheel should lock firmly and the lever shouldn't reach the handlebar.
6. 6Have the brakes servicedShop job A shop can bleed hydraulic brakes, replace hoses and cables, and check everything is safe. Don't ride until the brakes work properly.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Brake pads

  Must match your brake model exactly (the model name is printed on the brake caliper).

  Link coming soon

• Disc brake cleaner or isopropyl alcohol

  Removes oil and dirt from brake rotors without leaving residue.

  Link coming soon

• Brake and shift cable set

  Replaces frayed or rusty cables on mechanical brakes and gears.

  Link coming soon

• Bike multi-tool or hex key set

  Fits nearly every bolt on a bike. Useful for almost every guide here.

  Link coming soon