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How to Attach the Brake Assembly for Huffy Bikes

If you've ever ridden a bike, then you know just how critically important the brakes can be. Without the brake assembly, you'll be at the mercy of your own inertia, and you could end up flat on your face or in a bad collision. Huffy bicycles typically come with the brake assembly halfway installed, but further adjustments must be made as you assemble the bicycle brake system. In order to install the assembly properly, you'll need a few basic tools.

Things You'll Need

Socket wrench
Allen key
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Check the brake-caliper center retaining bolt to ensure that its tight. You'll need an Allen key to tighten the center retaining bolt. Huffy bikes will come with the calipers in place but the main center screw may be loose and require tightening.
- 2
  Center the brake caliper over the bike tire. Twist back and forth until an equal amount of space is visible on both sides of the tire.
- 3
  Loosen the nuts located on the sides of the brake shoes. You should be able to loosen these with your fingers; if not, use a socket wrench and turn counterclockwise.
- 4
  Position the brake shoes directly onto the tire rim and in line with the curve of the rim. Some Huffy brake shoes have arrows on them; if so, make sure that the arrows point to the rear. Tighten the brake-shoe nuts after you've positioned the brake shoes appropriately.
- 5
  Test the brake shoe by attempting to pull the brake shoe out of position, using slight force. Tighten the nut further if you're able to pull the shoe.
- 6
  Place your hand on both brake shoes and pinch the caliper together. This action will engage the brake shoes against the rim. Loosen the brake cable clamp located on the brake-handle grip by turning counterclockwise.
- 7
  Pull the cable tight, then tighten the cable clamp back to a secure position. You can normally hand-tighten the clamp or use pliers to tighten further.
- 8
  Squeeze the handlebar brake; then release twice and observe to ensure that the brake shoe is making contact with the tire rim and is effectively stopping the tire while in motion. If the brake shoe is not contacting the rim, readjust and retighten all components until the brakes operate properly.

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