Replacing my own Brakes... how difficult?
I think it's time to replace the brakes. When we do our pull test the brakes engage but there appears to be a delay before they fully engage. Figured it would be a good time to have the bearing repack...
Forum Discussion
btd35 wrote:
Pull the tire, pull the drum and physically check the brake shoes first. MOST LIKELY they only need adjusting and the shoes are fine. As the shoes wear, they must be adjusted back up so they can reach the drums when the brakes are applied. It is done with a screw driver through the slotted hole in the bottom of the back plate. Pull the drum and see what you are doing, and which way to turn the little star wheel inside to tighten.
After you to pull the drum, look at the pucks to see how much wear has occurred. The pucks when new have dimples much like a golf ball. If they are badly worn they will have a smooth face. If that's the case, might just as well get new brake assembly with backing plate as the cost of new pucks is more than half the cost of a new assembly. If pucks are ok, next check to see if the lining is coming loose as that is quite common. Even if all new assemblies are needed the cost is about $250as with new have seals.
