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Brake Cables
To adjust the brake cables, loosen the locking nut on the barrel adjuster (this is the part that hooks into the
brake backing plate on the inside of the hub). Screw the barrel adjuster out a little and check the brakes.
When squeezing the lever, it shouldn’t come too close to touching the handlebar grips. When the lever is
released, the wheel should turn freely and not drag on the brakes. When the cable is adjusted, tighten the
locking nut. If you are out riding and feel the cable could be a bit tighter, you can turn the adjuster on the
brake levers to fine-tune the cable tension.
Derailleur Cables
These are adjusted in the same way as brake cables. There is an adjuster on the rear derailleur, but none on
the front. For the front derailleur, it is only necessary to have the cable tensioned slightly when the chain is on
the inside chainring; fine tuning can be done using the adjuster on the left-hand shifter.
5.3 Drum Brakes
The drum brakes on your trike have a very long life, and shouldn’t ever need replacing under normal use. We
have yet to see a worn out set of pads. If you find that the brakes are not gripping as well as they used to,
they can be disassembled and de-glazed. Remove the wheel from the bike, and then the backing plate from
the wheel. Note how the spacer between the hub and the backing plate is located. If the pads are glazed,
they will look somewhat shiny and smooth. Using some fine sandpaper, lightly sand the surface of the brake
pads until they look dull again. Be careful about not breathing in the dust from the surface of the pads. Clean
the inside of the hubs out with a clean, dry cloth (use no oil, grease, or wax on the inside of the hubs), then
reassemble the brake plates on the hubs. You should notice a difference in braking performance, and you
should initially test them away from traffic until you are used to the improvement in braking. If you notice a
gradual reduction in braking power over a period of time, check the condition of the brake cables and
housing. Friction from dirty cables can considerably increase the effort required to stop the trike.
TIP – periodic removal and lubrication of the brake cables helps
increase their life and gives smoother operating brakes. Disconnect
them at the wheel, and then a small amount of light oil can be
dribbled down the housing without removing the inner cable.
5.4 Disc brakes
Disc brakes (mechanical or hydraulic) require regular attention and maintenance. The most common task is
replacing the disc pads. These will wear under normal use and will require periodic replacement to keep the
brakes working properly.
Your disc brakes may squeal under braking. This is normal, and will change depending on how worn the pads
are and how damp or cold the rotor is. A brake which is hot and dry will rarely squeal.
The braking performance will be severely reduced if the system is contaminated. Clean the calipers, lever,
and rotors with water and a clean cloth. If the disc rotor becomes contaminated with oil or grease, it can be
cleaned by wiping with a cloth with isopropyl alcohol or disc brake cleaning products designed specifically for
disc brakes. It is almost impossible to properly clean contaminated pads; they should be replaced.
Check the caliper and lever for any signs of fluid leaks and the hose for any damage such as chaffing or being
roughly handled. A damaged hose could cause a system leak, which will severely impair braking performance
or cause the brakes to fail.
Brake pads need replacing when the friction material is worn, contaminated or damaged. Don’t wait until the
friction material is worn through to the backing plate to replace the pads. To maintain safe and efficient
braking, the pads need to be replaced if the material is worn down to 0.5mm.
Replacing Brake Pads – follow the instructions that are supplied with your brakes. Parts and spares are
available from ICE.