Fixing Stroller Common Issues

It is very disturbing when your stroller starts misbehaving when you want to go out with your baby. Some issues may be way beyond your knowledge. However, there are some simple issues that you can fix quickly and hit the road. Common baby stroller issues:

Brakes not working – Troubleshooting

• The stroller brakes may become blocked by debris and dirt. Therefore, they need frequent adjustments to ensure they don’t malfunction.
• For lever activated brakes, loosen or tighten the brakes through the adjuster nut; located at the exact point where cable and lever intersect. In case of kinked cables, you may have to buy a new one.
• Some strollers come with a cable adjuster (shaped like bullet) brake’s cable. Turn it and check if the brake operates properly.
• For the foot-activated brakes, inspect the brake assembly. Mud or small stones may become stuck in the teeth that the brakes lock onto. You can use a screwdriver to clean the teeth.

A stroller that clicks when pushing

The brake system can catch the wheels while on the move and cause a clicking sound.

• First, ensure the brake lever is totally off.
• Check the brake cables (for strollers that have cable brakes). If necessary, tighten it until the clicking stops.
• Finally, check to ensure the brake’s bolts and screws are secure, tighten any loose bolts.

A stroller that won’t fold

A stroller that fails to fold may be very frustrating when you travel with your kids. The first suspect may be obstructions or lack of lubrication.

• Ensure there is no object that is sticking and preventing the sections of the stroller’s frame from moving past each other. Check to ensure the storage basket is empty.
• Carefully check each part of the metal frame. You may have to use pliers to straighten any bent part of the frame. Restore the bent areas back to normal shape.
• Lubricate the moving components of the frame and see if it folds up.

It is advised not to force the stroller to fold because you may break the metallic parts. If it totally refuses to fold, consult your manufacturer or your local garage.

Stroller Flat Tire Troubleshooting

The stroller wheels are the most important component in a travel system. It is the part that comes into contact with the ground. The tires absorb all the road beatings and frictions to offer your child a smooth and comfortable ride. It is very crucial to keep the tires in condition. The main stroller tire trouble is a puncture. The tires may also be exposed to tear and wear that is natural. For troubleshooting flat stroller tires follow this guide.

• First, remove the tire/s from the stroller. Detach the tire from its wheel. Then carefully remove the internal tube and fill it up with air (use hand pump). Now you have to improvise an object to detect the exact spot of the puncture. You can fill a basin with water. Alternatively, you can use the kitchen sink. Either way, ensure you put enough water that can cover the whole tube. Place the inner tube in the water and submerge it. You will see bubbles forming at the puncture spot. Some bubbles may just form naturally, so check to ensure it is coming from the inner tube.
• Use a pen or a mark pen to mark the exact spot of puncture – you can circle it or draw a star. Marking the spot ensure you see the spot easily when the inner tube is out of the water.
• Use a dry piece of cloth or any other dry material to wipe dry the inner tube. Get your tire repair kit. You can use the Bell Stopper (500). It includes 3 tire levers, 20 Glue-Less patches, and a metal scuffer.
• Scuff up the spot around the puncture using the metal scuffer.
• Then place the patch sticker. Ensure the sticker is on the right spot; use a scraper to fix it tightly.
• Now the puncture is fixed. Carefully put the tube back in its tire. Make sure you not to puncture the tube while fixing it back.
• Now fix the tire back to the wheel by use of the levers.
• Finally, pump it up and you are ready to stroll with your baby.

How to prevent flat stroller tires

Some strollers come with puncture resistance wheels while others come with general wheels. If you purchase a stroller with puncture free wheels, you may not have to repair frequent punctures. However, there some ways to avoid punctures in general wheels. Read below

• Pump the right amount of air. Check the user manual for the recommended air level. Also, avoid using garage pumps.
• Avoid running over sharp and uncertain objects.
• Don’t push the stroller in extra rough terrains.

Hope that our Fixing stroller common issues guide will help you to fix every simple issue that you face when using your stroller.