Brake handle return

copyman

copyman

Well-Known Member
#1
#1

I cannot get the brake handle to return all the way back after squeezing it. I've tried several different springs, adjustments. The lever on the brake drum does spring back on it's own without adding a spring but not enough for brake handle by grip to return. I have a few bikes with drum / shoe brakes and no additional spring is needed. Like I mentioned I tried a few springs but maybe they didn't have enough strength to push back. Thanks for any advice
 

Attachments

Havasu Dave

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#2
#2

I've needed a spring on quite a few myself, and some machines mandate it. You already know this, but to rehash: Brake arm has to be lubricated. Should have a zerk, but it needs to be smooth and resistance free all on it's own. They get torqued and the bore gets elongated. I've made inserts for them and inserted to restore bore. Cable itself needs to be in good shape, lubricated. Again, all on it's own, it needs to be buttery smooth. Lever needs to have proper bushing so that the torque on it from the tension is not dislodging it from it's bore and causing resistance. You probably knew all of this. Also, that is not much spring- the one you're using to test this all out. #908932 is the spring Hodaka uses on it's front brake.
 
M

mchadsey1

#3
#3

copyman said:
I cannot get the brake handle to return all the way back after squeezing it. I've tried several different springs, adjustments. The lever on the brake drum does spring back on it's own without adding a spring but not enough for brake handle by grip to return. I have a few bikes with drum / shoe brakes and no additional spring is needed. Like I mentioned I tried a few springs but maybe they didn't have enough strength to push back. Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Have you tried to clean and lubricate all metal sliding surfaces in the brake drum ? Also clean and lubricate cable and check for possible kinks.
 
copyman

copyman

Well-Known Member
#4
#4

Havasu Dave said:
I've needed a spring on quite a few myself, and some machines mandate it. You already know this, but to rehash: Brake arm has to be lubricated. Should have a zerk, but it needs to be smooth and resistance free all on it's own. They get torqued and the bore gets elongated. I've made inserts for them and inserted to restore bore. Cable itself needs to be in good shape, lubricated. Again, all on it's own, it needs to be buttery smooth. Lever needs to have proper bushing so that the torque on it from the tension is not dislodging it from it's bore and causing resistance. You probably knew all of this. Also, that is not much spring- the one you're using to test this all out. #908932 is the spring Hodaka uses on it's front brake.
Click to expand...
Would you happen to know he length of that Hodaka #908932 spring? Thanks!
 
Havasu Dave

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#5
#5

No, I do not recall, and I sold all of my bikes. Something around 4 inches maybe a tad longer. The only reason I pointed it out was because the spring you are using is a bit on the thin side. (Coil diameter)
 
copyman

copyman

Well-Known Member
#6
#6

Havasu Dave said:
No, I do not recall, and I sold all of my bikes. Something around 4 inches maybe a tad longer. The only reason I pointed it out was because the spring you are using is a bit on the thin side. (Coil diameter)
Click to expand...
Thanks. I try a thicker spring. Will check out that Hodaka spring.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top