Rear Brake Question/advice

I replaced the brake shoes, sanded the dust ridge away, deglazed the brake drum with brake cleaner and 1500 grit paper. Adjusted the brake lever until I heard contact between the drum and the shoes then backed off 1/2 turn. The problem that I am having is that the rear brake doesn't seem to be braking the bike as it should. As an example, there is no way I can lock up the back tire even at a slow coast, much less have any real stopping power at road speeds.
So my question, do I have to remove the brake shoes and sand down the contact points as it seems like the whole shoe is not grabbing or do I go back in and re-deglaze everything?

 

Brand new shoes do take a while to wear in to the old drum, could be that.

Also, did you confirm your new shoes were exactly the same as the old as I believe secas and maxims have different widths (not sure which is smaller though).

And also, if you offer the shoe up to the drum does it look the right diameter? very worn drums sometimes require oversize linings or replacement...

 

Something else that is possible, When you were putting the rear tire back on did you re-center the brakes by holding the rear brake while you tightened the axle nut? It could be possible that the brakes are not centered correctly and you are not getting full contact. But yes, drums do need to be worked in. I remember there was a link somewhere that pointed out the right break-in procedure for a drum. Hope that helps.

 

Try "centralizing" the shoes first.

Loosen the rear axle nut, then snug it up gently.

Apply the rear brake firmly and hold it on while you torque the axle nut (will require an assistant.)

Then see what you've got. Also keep in mind that it will take a few dozen gentle stops to properly burnish the new shoes. Trying to lock the wheel with brand new brakes could cause you to "glaze" your new shoes.

 

I did centralize them when reassembled. I have put about 20 miles on the bike just riding around local neighborhood. I assumed they may needed breaking in so I did many slow speed stops trying to use the rear brake alone, but have not seen any improvement. I didn't try locking up the tire until yesterday to see if it would, but it didn't...any other ideas?

 

You could take them back apart, and see what kind of contact area you're getting;

or put about 300 miles on the bike, using the rear brake normally but gently, and see where you're at.

 

like this advice the best. The front brakes work exceptionally good. I use the rear brakes first and then the front when I need to. Will let you know how it goes in 300 miles.

Thanks BigFitz and to everyone else.

 

If you need to "centralize" the brakes, your backing plate is shot, the axle hole is worn out. You may need to sand them or put up with it for a few thousand miles

 

That seems counter to how the brakes should be used. On Most bikes the front brakes should handle at least 70% of the braking. Since most of a bike's weight transfers to the front during braking. I have always used both brakes simultaneously for maximum braking effect. But with more braking on the front. That is why I don't like seeing bobbers and choppers without a front brake. Granted they are a little better suited to rear braking due to further back weight distribution and angle of the front forks. I've also heard there are some bikes out there where the front and rear brakes are linked as well.

 

That may be how brakes are supposed to be used, but I know in my city, buying any used bike that has done primarily city driving has more wear on the rear brakes and less then it should on the front. Talking with bikers in the area, many say that in city driving people tend to use the back brake a lot for stop-and-go traffic and only using the front as needed which is why this happens and its fairly common.

 

yeah, technically the front brake is your main brake, but at low speed/trickling through traffic a lot of riders find the bike easier to control by using the less powerful rear brake & not having to split their right hand between brake & throttle.

 

quoted from yahoo answers...



What's the purpose of the front wheel brake on a motorcycle or bike?
other than to do a full stop, it seems pointless. but I've never been a hardcore biker, isn't the rear brake the primary break?
1 year ago


Dan H

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

No, the rear brake is NOT the primary brake on a motorcycle (or a car for that matter). The FRONT brake does MOST of the braking on a bike, especially a sport bike where all of the braking will be once weight transfer unweights the rear of the bike.

Rear brakes on bikes are relatively weak to keep you from skidding the rear tire. You should use BOTH brakes in proportion to your need to stop. Initially using more rear and progressively adding more front brake in and easing off the rear brake as yours and the bike's weight shifts to the front wheel. You modulate the brakes to keep the wheels from skidding. Maximum braking force is applied when you reach that point just before the front wheel starts to skid.

 

One exception: at low speed on loose gravel or sand, don't touch the front brake while turning, or the front wheel will slip in a flash, don't ask how I know this.