When I remove the brake rod assembly.... . the grease is ... old.. hard.. and there's usually sand and grit... I pop on an " O " ring.... light coat of grease... insert assembly... then another " O " ring... slide brake lever on just enough to touch the rings.... secure.... I did this to this bike many years ago.... was surprised that the " O " rings didn't fail.. I replaced them anuway.....no dirt grit found....