How to Deal with Ineffective Drum Brakes on Motorcycles?
2 Answers
Methods for handling ineffective drum brakes on motorcycles: The brake pads can be sanded based on their wear marks to ensure sufficient contact area with the brake drum during braking. Below is relevant information about drum brakes: 1. Principle: Drum brakes utilize stationary brake pads inside the brake drum to create friction against the rotating drum, thereby reducing the wheel's rotational speed. 2. Advantages: Drum brakes have excellent self-braking properties. As the brake pads expand outward, the rotating wheel causes the expanding brake drum to twist slightly, increasing the outward tension (braking force) of the brake pads. This effect becomes more pronounced with greater force, which is why large vehicles typically use drum brakes. Besides lower costs, the main difference between drum brakes on large and small vehicles is that large vehicles often use pneumatic assistance, while small vehicles use vacuum assistance to aid braking.
I've been riding motorcycles for a while and have dealt with several drum brake failures. Most often, it's due to severely worn brake shoes - they should be replaced when worn down to half their thickness. Another common issue is excessive dust buildup inside the brake drum; opening it up for cleaning usually helps. Sometimes the brake cable becomes too loose or gets stuck - try adjusting it tighter, but don't force it to avoid damage. After regular rides, check the brake feel - if it feels spongy, visit a shop for new components. For prevention, avoid prolonged drum brake use in rainy conditions as dust tends to stick, and apply cleaner periodically for maintenance. Never attempt to disassemble hydraulic systems yourself - always consult professional mechanics if unsure. Safety comes first, as faulty emergency braking can be extremely dangerous.
