I'm in the process of bringing my new (for me)B31 back to life (tank already off for repair of a small hole!). It's my first classic Brit bike having had 90s Japanese bikes before. I've read the service sheet and am happy with getting the front wheel off, but not so confident about the rear brake. Grateful for advice and guidance on how to remove the rear brake. In particular:
- It says to remove the chain - is there a way to do this easily without splitting the chain?
- Where is the best place to disconnect the brake actuator rod?
- Is it then really as simple as removing the big nut on the nearside?
Many thanks for your help.
I'm just learning on my B31/33 too. The chain should have a simple split link to undo it. No need to split rivets or anything violent. Keep it draped over the gearbox sprocket otherwise you'll need long fingers (or a bent bit of coathanger wire) to feed it through again. On my rigid one, undo the brake adjuster wing nut on the end of the brake rod, unbolt the brake plate anchor arm and then loosen the spindle bolt on each side. The wheel's then free.