Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Backwheel spinning freely, or not? Backwheel spinning freely, or not?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree4Likes
  • 2 Post By mollydog
  • 2 Post By Grant Johnson

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Backwheel spinning freely, or not?
Hi all,

I was just wondering; if I tighten the nut on my rear caliper (Honda XR 250 Brazil) to a point where the rear brake pedal has enough free play as per the manual, and I lift the rear wheel up and spin it, it catches at a certain point and will not spin freely.

Should I just tighten it up and then ride around, assuming the rear pads will wear down to a point where this will not happen?

Many thanks,
rtw
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Sorry, drum break. I am tightening the nut which is at the far end of the break arm, ie the thing which runs parallel to the swing arm and connects the foot break to the actual break itself. I need it to be tighter because at the moment you need to press too much on the foot peddle before it actually engages the rear brake ie there is too much free play in the foot brake. Yet tightening results in the pads obviously catching at a certain point. Hope that is clearer? Many thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Common problem on rear drum brakes. Couple ways to approach this:

1. Take apart, pull out drum brake mechanism and examine brake shoes. Try to figure out where it's rubbing first and sand down that bit only. You may be able to adjust the brake shoes and where they engage the brake drum. Should be contacting evenly and 100%. If not, adjust best you can. (they are rarely perfect)

Clean brake dust and crud out of there, re-assemble.

2. If you just leave it alone, it will wear down eventually and may be OK, but may overheat and glaze the brake shoe in the process. Result will be weak braking and uneven wear on the brake shoes. (very common on drum brakes) Uneven wear means only PART of the shoe is contacting the drum.
Not good.

3. Sometimes there is an adjustment on the pedal itself, independent of the brake actuator rod. If so, perhaps you can adjust the pedal UP ... for earlier engagement? Dunno on your bike.
If not, then adjusting shoe/drum interference fit (as above) is best.

I'm surprised you're having these issues on a brand new bike.

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleland View Post
3. OR see if you can remove pedal and reinsert it a bit higher (that is rotating it on its splines, so that the pedal is a bit higher when not depressed
the idea is if the pedal is a bit higher you will find it easier to press it down till it "bites"
That is a good point, one I did not think of.
Not sure how those Brazilian 250's work, but have a look, see what you can figure out. Should be some adjustment to set up the brake engagement point to suit you.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Backwheel spinning freely, or not?
Thanks guys.

Everyone's help here is invaluable to me as I have no network here to ask and don't have the Spanish to talk about stuff in-depth with the local mechanics (and with my recent experiences with my local Honda, wouldn't care even if I could chat to them), and am obviously new to this (going to try and make the Latin American meeting this year, if there is one, can't wait!)

Mollydog,

I'm surprised too, only thing I can think of is I did something wrong when changing the rear tire, though not sure what as I even borrowed a torque wrench to torque the rear axel nut.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2014
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,231
Tip:

Before tightening the axle nut on any drum brake, press down on the pedal - or squeeze the brake lever as appropriate - and AT THE SAME TIME, while squeezing/pressing, tighten the axle nut. This will force the brake shoes to center in the drum as best as possible. The brake shoe backing plate is somewhat loose on the axle so it moves a bit, and needs to be forced into alignment.

yes it's a bit awkward but can make a big difference!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Cheers Grant! Will try that out later
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top