tearing apart the rear brake

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 12:14 PM

ok my vt700c is shaft drive any words of caution before I try tearing into the drum to check my brakes? or just go for the gusto and pray?

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 12:17 PM

I'm not trying to be annoying by posting so much I just have a lot of questions, and really like expirienced answers.

vville123 · 07-07-2009, 12:35 PM

Well I dont have an answer for you.

But if I'm taking something apart fo rthe first time, I just go slow and mark/keep every in order.

So you cant mess up when you put back together.

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 12:44 PM

good advice, I usually take pictures as I tear things apart so if I get all stupid and cant remember what went where I can look at the pictures I took. my digital camera is a blessing when it comes to working on new things. if only it could tell me where I set that wrench....

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 1:00 PM

anyone know if my gear oil is going to go everywhere when I pull out the axel?

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 1:13 PM

never mind apparantly "the rear brakes are broken" translates to previous owner too dumb to adjust them so they work correctly.

I took off the adjuster and spring and actuated the lever by hand the brakes lock up fine, no grinding. just the normal sound of shoe on drum, no funky noises to I simply adjusted the lever an couple notches so the spring and adjuster nut has plenty of room before and behind the lever. rear brake now works like a charm. I have been blessed with easy fixes so far. I'll leave tearing the actual drum for a proper inspection off untill I get my hands on the clymer manual. but for now I am satisfied that they work.

discovered a couple more pieces of missing hardwarte to replace. I'm amazed this bike hasnt simply fallen apart from all of the apparantly "optional" nuts and bolts.

Twincam · 07-07-2009, 7:29 PM

Have you by any chance searched for a Haynes Manuel? When I first started I would think of them as my bible. (I still use them!)

Definatly check the bike over 100%, you wouldn't want it falling to pieces on the motorway or such like. (the people who replaced my sons tyre never tightened one of the rear axle nuts... I was able to turn it with my hand! - never trust other people to do jobs you can)

reefkprZ · 07-07-2009, 11:34 PM

I have every intention of buying a clymer manual once I can afford it. I've always kinda been the guy that just takes things apart and fixes them anyway. whether I have done it before or not. so its probably going to be when I can't figure something out that I finally break down and go get the manual. I have a lot of expirience working on cars and even though the knowledge isnt always a direct translation it gives me at least a working knowledge on how to spin a wrench. and then again I always have you guys to pester for information too.