Brakes are serious business, and while most riders just use the handlebar brakes, the foot brake is there for a reason – It’s a backup. As problems go, a stuck brake pedal is an easy fix. And very shortly, you’ll be well on your way to having your foot brake working once again..
The rear brakes on an ATV commonly stick because corrosion has built up on the foot pedal shaft. Spaying a penetrating lubricant will help free up the pedal.
In this post, you’ll understand why the rear brake pedal is stuck; you’ll learn how to free it up and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Does Rear ATV Brake Pedal Stick?
A rear ATV brake pedal commonly sticks for two principal reasons:
- The rear brake pedal is seldom used. As you know, ATVs are fitted with two independent brake systems – The handlebar-mounted hand brake and the foot pedal-operated rear brake. As the hand-operated handlebar brake is a far more effective and convenient brake, it’s the brake that is instinctively used. The foot pedal is very often forgotten and therefore goes unused.
- Driving through deep water traps moisture between the hollow pedal sleeve and the fixed chassis-mounted pedal spindle. The trapped moisture promotes corrosion. Deep water excursions, wet weather environments, and power washing all contribute to pedal shaft corrosion.
How To Free Up Rear ATV Brake Pedal
The fix for the problem is lubrication. Spraying lube between the hollow pedal sleeve which pivots on the brake pedal spindle, and the spindle itself will help break down corrosion’s hold.
This will require some patients, time, and a good penetrating oil such as WD40 or Rust Buster.
The process is as follows:
- Spray WD40 or alternative into the sleeve and spindle joint. It’s hit-and-miss as the joint is pretty tight. Jacking one side of the ATV will force the penetrant to flow down the inside of the spindle.
- It will take a little manpower to help free the pedal. Using your foot at first, get some movement going (if you can). Now work the pedal with your hand up and down, which will flex the joint clearance and promote oil flow between the sleeve and spindle.
- You’ll need to rinse and repeat, and the process could take a few days to complete. Penetrating oil needs time to work its magic. Working lit like this will help work the penetrant into the shaft.
How To Prevent Rear ATV Brake Pedal Sticking
Prevention is much like the fix, a healthy dose of penetration oil when maintaining your ATV or once a month. In addition, you’ll need to use the rear brake from time to time.
It’s a simple strategy but often forgotten. I find it helpful to develop a habit of running some simple maintenance chores at the beginning of the month. Doing so helps prevent issues like sticking brakes.
Alternatively, remove the brake pedal and apply a thick coat of copper grease to the shaft before refitting. This will prevent corrosion and sticking for years to come.
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John Cunningham is a technical writer here at ATVfixed.com. He’s a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. He’s worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars and trucks to ATVs and Dirt bikes.