How to Fix a Dirt Bike’s Rear Wheel When It Doesn’t Move Properly

If your dirt bike’s rear wheel refuses to move when the bike is off and runs slower than usual when you sit on it while it’s on, it’s likely a brake adjustment issue. This guide walks you through how to loosen the rear brake and get your bike back to its optimal performance.

Symptoms of a Stuck Rear Wheel

Before jumping into the solution, it’s important to understand the symptoms that indicate a brake-related issue:

Stuck Rear Wheel When Off: The rear wheel doesn’t rotate freely when you try to push the bike with the engine off. This is usually due to excessive brake tension.
Slow Movement When On: When the bike is running, it moves slower than expected, particularly when you sit on it. This is because the brake may be dragging against the wheel, creating resistance.

If you’re experiencing these issues, the brake may be too tight, and adjusting it can resolve the problem.

Step-by-Step Solution: Adjusting the Rear Brake

Follow these steps to fix the rear brake tension and get your dirt bike back in working order:

Identify the Brake Adjustment Screw

Locate the brake adjustment screw on the rear brake calliper. Typically, this is a small screw that controls how tightly the brake pads grip the rotor. It may have a locknut securing it in place.

Loosen the Rear Brake

Tip: Refer to your bike’s manual if you’re having trouble finding the brake adjustment screw. The image below shows the adjustment screw on the Neo Outlaw electric Dirtbike 36v

To reduce the tension and allow the wheel to spin freely, you’ll need to loosen this adjustment screw.

Turn the Screw Counterclockwise:

Use the appropriate tool, often a wrench or an Allen key, to turn the screw counterclockwise.
Start with a quarter-turn and check if the wheel moves more freely.

Check the Wheel’s Movement:

After each adjustment, push the bike to see if the rear wheel spins freely.
If it still feels stiff, continue loosening the screw incrementally until the wheel moves smoothly.

Test the Brake Function:

Once the wheel spins freely when the bike is off, switch on the engine and check the bike’s performance. Ensure the brake still functions properly when applied.

Fine-Tune the Adjustment

Test the Brake Responsiveness: Sit on the bike, turn it on, and ride slowly to see how the brake feels.
Adjust as Needed: If the brake feels too loose or doesn’t engage as it should, tighten the screw slightly (clockwise). It’s all about finding the balance between wheel movement and brake effectiveness.

Secure the Adjustment

If the brake works correctly and the wheel spins freely, tighten any locknut that may be securing the adjustment screw. This will prevent the screw from loosening during use.

Why This Solution Works

When the rear brake is too tight, it restricts the wheel’s movement by constantly pressing against the rotor. By loosening the adjustment screw, you reduce this tension, allowing the wheel to spin freely when the bike is off and run smoothly when the bike is on.

Properly adjusted brakes ensure:

Reduced drag and better speed when riding.
Increased brake longevity, as constant rubbing can wear down the brake pads and rotor.
Better overall performance and safety when riding.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To prevent this issue in the future, follow these maintenance tips for electric dirt bikes:

Regularly Check Brake Tension: Before and after every ride, test the movement of your rear wheel. Ensure it moves freely when the bike is off.
Inspect Brake Pads and Rotor: Excessive wear on pads or the rotor can cause sticking. Replace them when necessary.
Keep Your Brakes Clean: Dirt, mud, or debris can get caught between the brake pads and the rotor, causing friction. Clean your brakes frequently, especially after off-road rides.

By regularly maintaining and adjusting your dirt bike’s brakes, you can prevent issues that affect performance and ensure a safe, smooth ride every time.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting your dirt bike’s rear brake is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your bike’s performance when it’s sluggish or the wheel is stuck. Always remember to test your dirt bike’s performance after any adjustment and fine-tune as needed to maintain a safe and efficient ride.