rear brake question

I had to remove my rear brake lever for replacement. When I reinstalled the new one, I must have had it on at the wrong angle, because the foot brake lever went down too far, no matter how I adjusted the tension arm. So, I took the brake actuator off to reposition it, but have two questions:
1. any suggestions on the correct angle of the actuator arm?
2. any way to do this without taking the rear tire off? When I try it with the wheel on, the stud that the actuator arm mounts to pushes in.

Attached is a old photo of the arm before damage and replacment. Thanks.

 

start a bolt in the threaded side of the arm and put a old hack saw blade or steel strapping in the slot, tighten the bolt and spread the arm a little, little, don't break it.
the arm starts off of the rod and the rod only pulls the arm maybe a half inch

 

The angle in the pic looks good. If the new actuator arm is the same length, and in this position, it should be ok. Maybe a pic of what you have right now would help.

To get the arm on, you should be able to use a pair of locking needle-nose pliers to clamp on right next to the drum housing, then slide the arm on. The pliers don't need to be on very tight, but you don't want them to slip either. Just remember - light tapping with a hammer to get the lever on. After it is on you should be able to tap it the rest of the way after removing the pliers.

Just a question - was the rear brake stabilizer arm tight when you pressed the brake lever?

Another possibility is if you put the actuator arm on and the spindle slid in on you it may be out of position to rotate the shoes. If that's the case, wheel has to come off anyway.

If you decide to just pull the wheel, tap the lever on the spindle into the position you want it before removing it. That way when you do have it off you know exactly the position you want to put it in.

 

Thanks for the info, guys. The photo was from before the damage. I put the replacement arm on with the wheel off, but must have got the angle wrong. I did put it on tight and all. It seems like such a simple thing, but didn't get it on correctly.

 

Work the Lever by hand and Observe the Brake Wear Indicator.
If the " /\ " pointer moves-over to the THIN mark on the Indicator ...
Replace your Rear Brake Shoes.

I'd guess you need New Shoes.

Do NOT alter the Rod.
Don't fabricate anything.
The Brakes will work just fine when you have:

Shoes with substantial brake material.

Once you have Shoes that are OK.
Positioning the Brake Lever Arm won't be a problem.

Position the Bottom of the Lever at the END of the ROD.
Use the Adjustment Nut to determine when the engage.