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Difference between revisions of "Drum brake"
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Front Drum Brakes are normally cable operated. You need to adjust the connector between the two Brake Cam Levers (arms) so that both ends of each shoe contacts the brake drum at the same time. To do this, loosen both the cable adjuster and the rod connecting the two brake cam levers. Tighten the cable adjuster. The one on the brake drum, not the one on the handlebar. When the brake starts to drag, keep turning the wheel and get a good " feel " of how much drag there is. Now tighten the rod going to the other brake cam lever till the drag " feels " about twice as much as before. Tighten the lock nut, then adjust the cable so that there is at least an 1/8" of play at the handlebar brake lever. By adjusting the play you can make the brake lever engage the brake wherever you like. Like closer to the handlebar if you have small hands. Don't be afraid to make the lever fit your hand. Just make sure there is enough free play in the cable so the brakes don't drag, and that the lever does not touch the handlebar when they are full on. How do you tell if they are dragging ? Feel the drum after riding a ways. If it is really hot and you have not used the brakes much, they are dragging. If you are sure the brakes are not dragging and the drum is still hot, check your wheel bearings. | Front Drum Brakes are normally cable operated. You need to adjust the connector between the two Brake Cam Levers (arms) so that both ends of each shoe contacts the brake drum at the same time. To do this, loosen both the cable adjuster and the rod connecting the two brake cam levers. Tighten the cable adjuster. The one on the brake drum, not the one on the handlebar. When the brake starts to drag, keep turning the wheel and get a good " feel " of how much drag there is. Now tighten the rod going to the other brake cam lever till the drag " feels " about twice as much as before. Tighten the lock nut, then adjust the cable so that there is at least an 1/8" of play at the handlebar brake lever. By adjusting the play you can make the brake lever engage the brake wherever you like. Like closer to the handlebar if you have small hands. Don't be afraid to make the lever fit your hand. Just make sure there is enough free play in the cable so the brakes don't drag, and that the lever does not touch the handlebar when they are full on. How do you tell if they are dragging ? Feel the drum after riding a ways. If it is really hot and you have not used the brakes much, they are dragging. If you are sure the brakes are not dragging and the drum is still hot, check your wheel bearings. | ||
[[Image:Singleshoebrake.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Single shoe brake]]Rear Brakes can be cable or shaft operated. They need about 1/2" of play. Normally, they are adjusted by a nut or wing nut on the rear end of the cable or rod that is activated by the Rear brake Pedal. Most, if not all, are of the Single Leading Shoe type. Repair them just like the Front Brakes. | |||
When everything is back together, but before you tighten the axle, spin the wheel and put on the brake hard and hold it. Then, still holding the brake on, tighten the axle. This aligns the brake shoes and drum, making the brake work better. Do this for both Front and Back Drum Brakes, Single or Twin Leading Shoe. | When everything is back together, but before you tighten the axle, spin the wheel and put on the brake hard and hold it. Then, still holding the brake on, tighten the axle. This aligns the brake shoes and drum, making the brake work better. Do this for both Front and Back Drum Brakes, Single or Twin Leading Shoe. | ||