A50 braking problem

[Drummie]

Hi Spaceman, this is the brake lever position when not being pressed.

[Spaceman]

That looks a bit more forward than mine but it is the angle it makes with the brake fully applied that is critical - in other words, how far forward does the lever move when you put your foot hard on the brake pedal? If it doesn't get past being perpendicular to the brake rod then, from a brake operating efficiency point of view, that looks ok. Problem then is that you appear to have run out of adjustment on the brake rod leaving you with too much foot pedal movement (my brake rod has much more adjustment range on it). If you can't correct this by repositioning the brake lever on the brake cam spindle, the only solution would be new brake shoes.

Having said all that, it is difficult to see how the brake adjustment has anything to do with your original problem. Out of interest, what was the line shown on one of the original brake lining pictures - was it a wear ridge and, if so, what was causing it?

[Drummie]

Hi again Spaceman, it's like the brake needs adjusted but already is. There was no evidence of what caused the score on the lining. I'm going to post a photo tomorrow of the lever at the hub with the brake fully on and if i can get your opinion it will be much appreciated. Drummie

[Drummie]

Hi, this is a photo with the brake pedal pressed down fully.

[Spaceman]

The angle looks ok but is there enough adjustment left on the brake rod to produce the right amount of movement at the foot pedal?.

[Drummie]

I'm thinking new shoes to start with and see where it goes from there. Thanks for all the help, I'll post the outcome. Drummie

[Drummie]

A quick update on the braking problem. I changed the shoe round on the hub (not too sure this was the problem). I also think the hub may not have been seated properly. The brake now works but still has a lot of play at the pedal, although the shoes are adjusted to just before binding. So still scratching my head on that one.

[Spaceman]

The problem may simply be that the linings are too worn and, when you apply the brakes, the leading edge of the leading shoe bites or makes contact with the drum initially but it then takes excessive brake movement to cause the rest of brake shoe linings to be pressed against the drum. I would definitely check the drum for ovality but new shoes are probably the answer.

[Drummie]

Hi Spaceman, I'll fit new shoes and see how it goes Thanks for your help. Drummie

[AdrianS]

I would have thought ovality would cause some pulsing of the pedal.
I would just fit some new shoes and accept a fair amount of pedal travel until they bed in a little.
I must say my A50 has a fair amount of travel on the pedal to avoid any binding or rubbing.

[Drummie]

Hi all,

Just an update on my rear brake problem. I chamfered the brake shoes and cleaned up the drum but I believe the problem may of been the hub lining up correctly with the swinging arm. Having had the wheel off and on again a number of times, I realised it was sitting slightly different. On inspection it was seated differently ie properly. So now I have a great bike with a useable rear brake, Anyway I just thought an update would maybe help anyone with similar problems and to let all those who helped me know the fault. Once again thanks for you help. Its a great sight this.