Removing brake shoes

[Phil C]

Trying to get the brake shoes off the brake plate (rear wheel, 1965 B40F), having managed fine with the front brake a while ago, am struggling to get them off.

I'm doing it as per Haynes, ie shoes fully open, pull up and out. I'm trying one at a time, rather than both together, simply because obviously I need to hold the plate. But can't for the life of me get them off.

Any tips, please?

Phil.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Phil,

I usually just work on one as the other will then be free.  I kneel on the shoe to be left in place and pull the other one upwards.  You may need a tyre lever to help.  This could also be done in a vice but with padding to protect things.

Dave.

[AdrianS]

Just pull one of them up so it is at right angle to the back plate. It may snap a little but both shoes can now easily be released. I refit mine the same way- easy to stretch the spring around the pivots if done like this. Never had a problem with mine.

[Phil C]

Pulling them up is what I've been trying to do. But anyway, tomorrow I'll try kneeling/standing on it whilst I pull. Didn't have this trouble with the from brake.

[AdrianS]

If you are desperate you could always knock the operating cam through the brake plate ( careful you don't damage the threads) and free off the cam end so should make removal easier but to be honest I cant see why they just cannot be pulled off as said before!

[DAVE BRADY]

The smaller diameter of the brake could be making it a bit more difficult.  If it is still a problem try removing the pivot that the lever acts on.  This will take away the spring tension and make the shoes loose and 'pull offable'.  Watch out for the thread to avoid damage.  To put them back I usually locate one and with the springs attached hold the other at 90 degs. and using the pivots as a fulcrum push the other one down until it clicks in to place.  However, if this proves to be difficult assemble everything without the pivot and then ease this back in to place.  A bit fiddly but at least you are not fighting the springs.

Dave.

I was typing this when AdrianS posted the above - great minds!

[Phil C]

I wonder if somebody might have squeezed the wrong shoes in there. Tried standing on it. Tried levering with a bit of flat bar. Guess I'll have to try removing the pin/ cam.  Or maybe take it with me to my trusty motorcycle repair shop when I go to collect my new tyre. I keep thinking there's something very obvious that I'm missing. Thanks again for your help anyway. Phil

[Phil C]

But I must be getting into this hobby. I was thinking about it in the middle of the night. Even wondered at one point  if it might be considered very odd if I got up and went out to the garage!     Phil

[Mike Farmer]

 

Sounds to me as if they are a bit corroded at the axis points. You could try using an old screwdriver and pushing(knocking) it between the two shoes  where they join at the pilar and the cam.. then a minute shot of WD40 or such.

Mike

[Phil C]

I don't think it's corrosion. It's like the shoe won't pull far enough to quite clear the shoulder which covers the cam.   Phil.

[Mike Farmer]

 

You're probably right about corrosion. I would still use a screwdriver to open the gap at both ends if necessary. Looks like a bit of super strength needed.

Mike

[Phil C]

Actually I think I'll wait until I go to collect my tyre, so I can ask my local expert. That way I can check it's not me being an idiot. 

[chaz]

bad internet in France so a quick reply.
stuck under the large washers need strong pull to clear them otherwise have you tried unhooking the springs, one should be enough.

[Phil C]

As I was going to collect my new tyre, I took the brake to my local expert, half expecting him to simply lift the shoes off the plate whilst I looked on in amazement. But no. Two professionals on the case, one holding the cam open, the other wielding a lever, couldn't get the shoes off. The reason, I'm told, is that the springs are so strong. Even with the cam pin out the springs were still holding the shoes together. So anyway at least I know it wasn't me being stupid. He advised me just to prod some copper grease into the pivot and onto the cam.

I wonder why the springs are so strong.

I now have a nice new tyre and tube (the old tube having had gunge put in it by a previous owner.)

Phil.

[A10 JWO]

Wrong springs I would suggest.