DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle: Rear Brake Overhaul From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-306

With the work on the primary chain complete, Chris and Craig perform a service on the rear brakes. The rear brakes seemed to be working reasonably well when Chris took the bike for a test ride. However, since the rear wheel is being removed and the brakes are pretty easy to disassemble, it's a good idea to update the brake shoes and clean out the drum.

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Chris installs and tightens a new rear chain.

Tools and materials:

complete set of wrenches, SAE or metric
set of Allen wrenches, SAE or metric
bench grinder or sander
brass hammer
pliers
new brake shoes
brake spring kit

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

Important: Always dispose of automotive fluids (gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) and other toxic substances responsibly. Most auto center offer recycling of automotive fluids.

	Figure A
	Figure B

Rear Brake Overhaul

• Lay the wheel assembly, with the brake drum facing up, out on a level surface.

• The backing plate, which the shoes and springs mount to, is removed from the drum by slowly pulling up on it and walking it out. Sometimes, if the shoes are tight or there is a build up of brake dust, this process can require some additional muscle or prying.

• The shoes are held to the backing plate by two return springs, one end of these simply clips to each shoe and keep tension.

• Using pliers, pull one end of the spring off each shoe (figures A).

• Important: Use caution when removing the springs, as the tension is quites strong and the springs may "jump" out.
  

  	Chris and Craig reassemble the brake assembly.

• The old shoes can now be removed and disassembled (figures B).

• Before installing the new shoes, it's a good idea to grind a little material off of the sides of the mounting points. This will prevent any binding. Use a bench grinder and take off a little material on the edges of the shoe.

• Now it's time for installation. Lay the new shoes on the brake backing plate, making sure the actuating lever is in the correct position.

• While holding the shoes in place, clip one end of a return spring to a shoe and then use pliers to stretch and clip the other end of the spring to the opposite shoe. Repeat this process with the other spring.
  

  Installing the wheel

• The backing plate and shoes can now be slid into the drum.

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of motorcycle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Powder Coating Shop
Best Signs
Phone: 865-922-5247
E-mail: bestsigns@tds.net

Coker Classic White Wall Tires, Tubes and Spoke Covers
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com

Gaskets/Headers
James Gaskets
Website: www.jamesgaskets.com