Muddyfox brake lever issue.

Boohoo

Hello.
I bought a Muddyfox Energy 26 bike in Jan 2016 and it has been working ok until last week.
I went use the back brake and the lever was loose moving up and down and not like it should do.
I looked and it and noticed the return spring was showing and when i looked at the pivot bolt the locking nut was missing.
I took the lever out and there was 1 plastic washer on the top and the spring. I put it back together and found a nut(not locking) and it was the same.
I think there must be another washer that fits on the bottom to make a tight fit as the spring doesn't return the lever like the front brake does.
The lever has "Sparkle" printed on underside.
Can anyone tell me if i can buy/get this plastic washer or will i have to buy a complete brake system.
Trey are V-brakes and the gears are twist shifters.

Norman_Castle

You might need to put tension on the return spring while fitting it.

Check the cable run and rear brake are moving freely. The rear brake spring should be enough to return the lever.

Boohoo

You might need to put tension on the return spring while fitting it.

Check the cable run and rear brake are moving freely. The rear brake spring should be enough to return the lever.

I think the return spring is fitted ok as before i could see it visable about the lever pivot but on the front brake lever it was hidden and that was why i thought there is a part missing. At the mo both front and back brake springs are hidden.
The cables are running freely and if i undo the back brake and so there is no tightness but the cable moves ok the brake lever still will not spring back like the front brake.
The back brake lever moves in and out when using the brakes but it wiggles about when the brake is not being used and the front one is solid so i think there must be a missing part.
I cant get any photos as the bike is at home.

Norman_Castle

Is the lever tight in the bracket?

Boohoo

Is the lever tight in the bracket?

No, i think that is the problem.
The lever pivot bolt is the original but the nut i replaced as i lost it.
The brake lever works pressing and releasing but when not touching the lever the lever moves about an inch up/down which still makes me think i have lost a part. The other brake is fine.
When i took out the pivot bolt there was 1 plastic washer on top of the lever and under that was the spring that clipped into the lever and the other part of the spring went into the brake handle somewhere but it is the same place as on the front brake.
I had a google to see if could find out what the plastic washer is and i cane about an Avid pivot bushing which is very simular to what i have. Here is a link if that would help explain better.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avid-Lever-Pivot-Bushing-11-5015-012-000/dp/B0063HK0UY/ref=sr_1_286?ie=UTF8&qid=1488881928&sr=8-286&keywords=brake+levers+bicycle

Thank you.

molerat

If the top hat washers fit in the bracket then there should be one top and bottom, the lever will rock otherwise. The spring should return the lever even if the bolt is rocking. Are you sure the spring is located correctly in both the lever and bracket, can you see what the spring presses against to give the tension ?

It might be possible to get a washer from a bike repair shop but as it is not top end kit, sports direct own brand, parts are not usually available so a new lever might be your only option.

Boohoo

If the top hat washers fit in the bracket then there should be one top and bottom, the lever will rock otherwise. The spring should return the lever even if the bolt is rocking. Are you sure the spring is located correctly in both the lever and bracket, can you see what the spring presses against to give the tension ?

It might be possible to get a washer from a bike repair shop but as it is not top end kit, sports direct own brand, parts are not usually available so a new lever might be your only option.

That's why i think there is something missing.
I am pretty sure the spring is where it should be as the brake lever goes in and out the same as front brake but the front brake lever is firm/solid with very little play but the back brake lever is very loose.
I did send SD an email but the reply was what is on the website is all they sell and they never said anything about where i can get any part/info about the brake lever which i did ask for some info.
If i have to get a new lever will it have to be a complete rear brake system and will any cheapish part do?
I have seen some on Amazon for about £10.