Rear drum brake locking/clicking

smegbrains · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Karma :

Hey guys, hope you're all well.

Been having a recurring problem on my bike that I've decided to get around to sorting out properly as it made my wheel lock yesterday.

My rear brake is a lovely drum one. It seems alright, but sometimes (usually the first few times I use it, or if I press the lever more firmly for a quicker stop) the lever will suddenly CLICK and drop quickly with a loud noise and cause the bike to jump like I've just slammed on the brakes. This is sometimes accompanied by the back wheel locking (even with the engine in gear, argh) so I'm wondering if maybe something is jamming inside it?

I know next to naff all about drum brakes, discs are more my thing and am wary of doing anything too complex, but if it's a simple problem I'll have a go, otherwise it's off to the bike shop.

Do any of you know what it is or what I should do?

Many thanks,

Kev
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Current Bike: Honda CBR 600F
Ex Bikes: Suzuki GX 125

The Artist · Super Spammer Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Karma :

I have a gs125 and the drum brakes are incredibly simple.

To remove the pads from the plate, fold one over the other. you will see what I mean, then they pop out.

smegballs · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Karma :

I had the exact same problem with my DT 50. Some times they would be fine sometimes nothing much then CLUNK (audible) and the brakes would slam on.

Taking the drum off showed that there was a big ridge where the shoes had worn into the hub. At first the shoes would be skating on the outeside of the ridge. Then as the pedal pressure increased they would suddenly clunk down into the ridge into contact with the rest of the drum.

Grinding out the wear ridge sorted the problem. Also make sure all your pivots for the brake linkages are lubed and free.

You dont want any extra friction in the brake linkage to mask your foot pressure.

HTH

Rich

smegbrains · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Karma :

Whoops, posted this at work and forgot to catch back up on it when I got home. Thanks for the replys guys, I'm gonna be having a look at it today, need to stick a new chain on so might as well kill two birds with one stone eh.
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Current Bike: Honda CBR 600F
Ex Bikes: Suzuki GX 125