How to Fix a Broken Bike Pump Gauge

Bike pumps are an essential tool for every cyclist for keeping the tires pumped up at the right PSI for the type of riding they are doing. Bike pumps can fail and break but before you just throw your pump into the trash, weigh the cost of fixing the pump with replacement parts. With a little self diagnosis and some common tools, you can fix your pump on your own if the parts you need are available.

Disassemble the pump by removing the hose with a wrench. Unscrew the square nut with a wrench to take off the air gauge.

Grab your screwdriver and remove the collar from the pump, making both the collar and handle slide free from your pump.

Take out all of the parts from the gauge and pump if needed. You may want to take a picture of how the parts fit together or write it down on paper as it is important to put them back correctly.

Use your screwdriver to remove the retaining collar from the pump. This should free both the handle slide and the collar.

Place the pump hose in a sink full of water. If you see bubbles, you may have a hole in the pump. Running water directly through the hose can also help you find any holes. This may be the cause of your pump gauge not working. Replacement hoses can be ordered from the manufacturer or from your local bike shop.

Examine the gasket and inside your pump. Damage to the gasket will mean a need to replace it. Just as with the hose, you can order replacement parts from your local shop or through the manufacturer.

Attach a new pump hose if needed, retracing the steps you took to remove it backwards.

Attach the replacement gauge if one was needed. Remember to put the parts back in order and consult your photo or notes if necessary.

Add a new layer of grease to your pump.

Check to see if your hose and gauge are working. If after replacing parts the pump still doesn't work, it may be time to invest in a new pump.

Tips

Depending on the cost of replacement parts and time frame to get them, you may just want to consider buying a new pump instead of repairing yours. It will be difficult to find parts for old and no longer manufactured pumps.