When to replace rear brake shoes?

highdesert · Dec 25, 2010

I have had my Commando for 17 years and cannot remember ever replacing the brake shoes.

Maybe it's time!

Should have looked at them when I had the rear wheel off a couple of months ago.

But generally speaking, no long trips that pile on mileage with no wear, any thoughts on how many miles good for?

Does the drum need any special treatment or just put in new shoes?

Thanks and happy Holidays!

Hortons Norton · Dec 25, 2010

Vintage Brake will match the shoes to the drum to give you a rear brake that you will have to be careful with. When I put my bike together I didn't do this and my rear brake still is not what it shoud be, I would think others could also do it and maybe someone here can help. But just buying shoes and installing them may not give you a good rear brake.

DogT · Dec 26, 2010

You might look at this thread. the-front-drum-brake-t6795.html?hilit=front%20shoes I'm sure you could do all this with the wheel on the bike and maybe get the RGM shoes and get a 'very nice' rear brake. I'm planning on doing it to my front TLS to start with this winter and if I do, I'll report.

Dave
69S

Torontonian · Dec 26, 2010

Can't remember ever really using rear brake in many years ,vaguely recall internal (My internals) chuckling about disappointing uselessness of said item. Have talked to Vintage Brake though and they assured me they can fit grabbier pads ,will ponder that and the incredible braking potential of such a situation applied. If someone can convince us to use and rely on such item t'would be good.

Fullauto · Dec 27, 2010

I've done 26,000 miles on my 850 in the last 4 and a half years and use the rear brake quite a bit. I haven't checked the linings yet and I've had new shoes sitting around for a couple of years waiting to go in. My rear works very well. They seem to go on forever and I've never heard of problems in this area. Some complain about a poor rear drum but I would put that down to poor setup as I've always found the rear drum on Commandos I've ridden to be a useful thing.

Fullauto · Dec 27, 2010

Oh, and I don't know how long the shoes were in there before I bought the bike.

ML · Dec 27, 2010

Just fitted Ferodo shoes to a mates 850 rear, they are made in Italy and cost a bit more than the no-brand crap I avoid. But, the results were very pleasing. Bedded in well and actual impart a decent grip! Well above the after-market rock hard glazed rubbish alternative. Highly recommend Ferodo.

mick

JimC · Dec 27, 2010

Torontonian said:
Can't remember ever really using rear brake in many years ,vaguely recall internal (My internals) chuckling about disappointing uselessness of said item. Have talked to Vintage Brake though and they assured me they can fit grabbier pads ,will ponder that and the incredible braking potential of such a situation applied. If someone can convince us to use and rely on such item t'would be good.

I had Vintage Brake do the rear brake on my 72 Combat. Excellent results. Very progressive feel. There's no doubt, with the right shoes and properly set up, the Commando rear drum brake is a very good rear stopper.

batrider · Dec 27, 2010

I don't think it is all a matter of pad material. The shoes really should be arced (usually by turning the brake plate assembly in a lathe) to match the drum.

JimC - What parts did you have to send to Vintage Brake and how much was it?

mike996 · Dec 27, 2010

If you install a new set of shoes, be sure to apply the brake with a good bit of pressure when you tighten the axle nut on the brake drum side. This ensures the shoe/drum are properly aligned and makes a dramatic difference in the effectiveness of the brake.

JimC · Dec 27, 2010

batrider said:
I don't think it is all a matter of pad material. The shoes really should be arced (usually by turning the brake plate assembly in a lathe) to match the drum.

JimC - What parts did you have to send to Vintage Brake and how much was it?

I sent a new drum/sprocket and backing plate. Total cost was $254.57, this included a $70 bearing and a $25.00 core charge, Shipping and insurance $17.83.

When to replace rear brake shoes?

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