Replacing brake shoes on a motorcycle's drum brake system is a straightforward maintenance task that restores braking performance and ensures rider safety. It involves systematically removing the old components, cleaning, installing new shoes, and proper adjustment.
How to Replace Brake Shoes on Drum Brakes Motorcycle?
Replacing your motorcycle's drum brake shoes is a crucial maintenance step to ensure optimal stopping power and rider safety. The process generally involves disassembling the wheel and brake mechanism, inspecting components, installing new shoes, and precise adjustment.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
| Category | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Tools | Socket/Wrench Set | For axle nuts and brake arm bolts |
| Pliers (needle-nose, regular) | For spring removal and installation | |
| Screwdriver (flat-head) | For prying, if needed | |
| Torque Wrench | Essential for correct reassembly of axle and brake arm | |
| Wire Brush | For cleaning corrosion and debris | |
| Cleaning/Lube | Brake Cleaner (non-chlorinated) | To remove dust and grime |
| High-Temperature Grease (e.g., moly) | For lubricating pivot points and cam shaft | |
| Shop Rags/Paper Towels | For cleaning and wiping | |
| New Parts | New Brake Shoes | Ensure they are the correct fit for your motorcycle model |
| New Brake Springs (optional, but recommended) | Often come with new shoes, but check | |
| Safety | Gloves, Safety Glasses | Protect hands and eyes from brake dust and chemicals |
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Drum Brake Shoes
Follow these steps carefully to replace your motorcycle's drum brake shoes:
1. Prepare Your Motorcycle
- Secure the Motorcycle: Place your motorcycle on a stand (center stand or paddock stand) so the wheel with the drum brake is off the ground and stable.
- Loosen Adjustments: Loosen the brake cable or rod adjustment nut at the brake arm to relieve tension.
- Remove Axle Nut: Use the appropriate socket or wrench to loosen the rear axle nut (for rear drum brakes).
2. Remove the Brake Backing Plate
This is the first primary step in gaining access to the brake shoes.
- Remove the Wheel: Carefully slide the axle out. You may need to support the wheel. On many motorcycles, the brake backing plate will come off with the wheel or once the axle is removed.
- Detach Brake Backing Plate: The brake backing plate, which houses the shoes, will separate from the wheel's hub (the drum itself). Some designs might require disconnecting the brake arm from its linkage or removing a retaining clip/bolt. Keep all removed fasteners organized.
3. Lever Off the Old Brake Shoes
Once the backing plate is free, you can access the shoes.
- Observe Spring Orientation: Take note of how the springs are installed on the old shoes. This will be crucial for installing the new ones correctly. Taking a picture with your phone can be helpful.
- Remove Springs: Using pliers or a brake spring tool, carefully detach the tension springs that hold the brake shoes against the pivot and the brake cam. Be cautious, as springs can snap off.
- Remove Old Shoes: Once the springs are off, the old brake shoes can be lifted away from the brake cam and pivot pin. Inspect the old shoes for wear patterns—uneven wear can indicate other issues.
4. Clean the Brake Backing Plate and Components
Thorough cleaning is essential for proper brake operation.
- Remove Brake Dust: Use a dedicated brake cleaner and a brush to remove all accumulated brake dust, dirt, and debris from the backing plate. Brake dust can be harmful, so avoid inhaling it.
- Clean Drum Interior: Inspect the inside of the brake drum on the wheel. Use brake cleaner and a rag to wipe away any glaze or debris. If the drum surface is grooved or scored, it may need to be resurfaced by a machine shop or replaced. A light scuff with fine-grit sandpaper can help new shoes bed in.
5. Free the Brake Shaft (Cam)
The brake cam needs to move smoothly for consistent braking.
- Inspect and Clean Cam: Remove the brake cam shaft from the backing plate. Clean off any old grease, rust, or dirt. Use a wire brush if necessary.
- Lubricate Cam: Apply a thin layer of high-temperature grease to the brake cam shaft where it pivots in the backing plate. Ensure the cam rotates freely and smoothly in its bore. Also, lubricate the pivot pin where the other end of the brake shoe rests.
- Reinstall Cam: Reinstall the brake cam into the backing plate.
6. Fit the New Shoes
This is where your new shoes go on.
- Attach Springs to New Shoes: It's often easier to attach one end of the tension springs to the new brake shoes before positioning them on the backing plate.
- Position Shoes: Place one end of each new shoe onto the pivot pin.
- Attach to Cam: Carefully maneuver the other end of the shoes around the brake cam.
- Install Remaining Springs: Using your pliers or brake spring tool, carefully stretch and attach the remaining ends of the tension springs, connecting the two shoes securely. Ensure the springs are correctly seated in their grooves and provide firm tension. The shoes should be held tightly against the pivot and cam.
7. Check the Brake Drum
Before reassembly, double-check the drum's condition.
- Inspect for Wear: Look for excessive scoring, deep grooves, or an "out-of-round" condition inside the drum.
- Measure Diameter: If you have a service manual, compare the drum's internal diameter to the specified wear limit. If it's beyond the limit, the drum (or wheel hub) needs replacement.
- Ensure Cleanliness: Make sure the drum is free of grease or oil contamination, which can severely impair braking.
8. Reassemble and Adjust Travel
Now, put everything back together and fine-tune the brake.
- Reinstall Backing Plate: Carefully slide the brake backing plate with the new shoes onto the wheel's hub (the brake drum). Ensure it seats properly.
- Reinstall Wheel and Axle: Guide the wheel and axle back into position. Make sure any spacers are correctly installed.
- Torque Axle Nut: Tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. Refer to your motorcycle's service manual for the correct value.
- Connect Brake Arm: Reconnect the brake arm linkage/rod and install any retaining clips or bolts.
- Adjust Brake Free Play: Adjust the brake cable/rod adjuster until there is the correct amount of free play at the brake pedal or lever. Consult your service manual for the exact specification, but typically, you want a small amount of movement (e.g., 10-20mm or 1/2 to 3/4 inch) before the brake engages. This prevents brake drag and premature wear.
- Test Braking: Gently apply the brake several times while the wheel is spinning freely to ensure smooth operation and proper engagement.
- Road Test: Take the motorcycle for a slow, controlled test ride in a safe area. Apply the brakes gently at first to "bed in" the new shoes. Avoid hard braking during the initial breaking-in period. Over time, braking performance will improve as the shoes conform to the drum.
Regularly check your brake adjustment and overall performance after the initial break-in period.
