tektro r559 failure

[Brent Eastman]

I'm sure many of us have used these brakes before. I know they are not the strongest brake, but I always trusted them to work within their limits.

I have had a set on my hillborne for 5 years. I ride that bike alot, and often underbike with it. I have serviced and adjusted my brakes several times over the years. 

The square black washer with ridged surface on mine basically wore smooth, and now there is no way to truly secure the brake cable with the fastening bolt. A brand new cable was slipping, so I increased the torque, then it slipped again (and frayed). 

I've always thought the articulating mech to open the brake was clever, but a structural weak point that could snap with decent torque. 

I guess I am curious if these can be saved with a new pinch washer, or should not be trusted again.

[Garth]

Yes they are repairable as that part is easily replaced, even Riv has it. I would certainly buy more than one.  https://www.rivbike.com/products/tektro-r559-parts

[JohnS]

Thank you Garth, I didn't know Riv sold brake parts like that and at a very reasonable price at that. Good deal.

JohnS

[Coal Bee Rye Anne]

Another thanks for the topic and link!  Popped in to catch up on recent post activity after bit of a hiatus to discover I could secure myself a new square washer with a future Riv order.

I unfortunately caused myself to lose one from a Tektro caliper during a frenzy of parts swapping.  I hastily went for a test ride(s) to ensure bar selection/placement before installing the rear brake cable/grips/etc.  Turns out I left the bolt and washer loose after removing the prior cable so they fell off somewhere.  I'd eventually discover the missing fastener only when I went to install the rear brake cable.  A couple split washers and new stubby hexbolt from my box of spare hardware secured the cable well enough in my scenario but will be happy to add the appropriate square washer to a potential future order.

Brian Cole