How to Fix a Mongoose Bike Back Brakes

Check if one of the brake pads drag on the rim and center the brake. There will be a small Phillips screw at the base of the brake arm to center the brake. Turning the screw clockwise will result in the brake arm on the side of the screw moving the pad away from the rim. Determine which direction the brake arms need to go.

Tighten the cable adjustment on the brake if braking feels mushy. Turn the barrel on the lever or caliper counterclockwise. Also, check your brake pads. Are they worn past the grooved wear-indicators? If so, replace the pads.

Loosen the cable adjustment on the brake if the brake feels too tight and squeezing the brake lever barely moves the brake. Turn the barrel on the lever or caliper clockwise.

Check that the brake pads are aligned correctly against the rim if the brakes squeak. The front tips of the brake pads should contact the rim first. Angle them correctly.

Remove the brake pads if your Mongoose brakes "honk" when you brake. Lightly graze them with a piece of sandpaper. This will create greater gripping power from the brake, reducing noise caused by pads not gripping effectively.

Check your brake pads if the brakes feel mushy. If they're worn down to less than a half-millimeter thick, it is time to replace them. Also, check your brake reservoir and top off with fluid if needed. Remove the cap and fill the fluid reservoir approximately halfway. Give the brakes a few slow pumps to push out air and draw fluid into the system. When all air is removed, replace the cap.

Check that the disc isn't bent if your brake is rubbing. A bent disc will cause intermittent rubbing, resulting in a clicking noise. Disks can be removed and straightened with an adjustable wrench, but it's prudent to go ahead and replace the disc. Bending a disc back into place can weaken the disc, potentially resulting in brake failure.