Julia Goolia wrote:


I have back pedal style breaks. They are very loose, and so it takes
a while to stop (have almost died many times because i couldn't stop
in time). Does anyone know how to tighten these breaks? I tried to
search the internet for a link on this, but to no avail.

Terry Morse wrote:

You needed the proper search terms, spelled correctly: "coaster
brake".

Actually, the term "coaster brake" is primarily an Americanism. In the
U.K., for instance, the usual term is "back pedalling brake" though this
type of brake is not common there. It's true that spelling it "break"
in a Google search won't be helpful, though!

The hub needs an overhaul. Not rocket science, but you'd best be
handy with things mechanical:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/coaster.shtml

That's a pretty good set of instructions, though it seems to call for
some unnecessary work, for instance it tells you to remove the sprocket,
when there's no reason to do so for most types of service.

This problem is most often the result of the cone adjustment being loose
(often as a result of losing the brake arm clamp bolt) and does not
necessarily mean the hub needs an overhaul. If this is the case,
another symptom will be that the tire will be loose and shaky.

In any case, I highly recommend getting a front hand brake installed.
This is not usually an expensive matter, and even if the coaster brake
is the primary brake, you should have some sort of back up system in
case the coaster brake fails.

When coaster brakes fail, it usually happens suddenly and totally, with
no warning.

Sheldon "Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket" Brown
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