Subject: Brake Linings
Author: Jack Lundberg
Date: Feb 14, 2003, 10:28 AM
Post ID: 1711944955
I posted a question a week or so ago regarding the squeaking/ineffective front brake on my Eldo. Mark of Moto Guzzi classics gave me some tips that seem to have helped greatly. Having said that, I must add that I have only 25 miles on the newly serviced brakes, but they feel much stronger and I have hopes that this will resolve the problem.
After cleaning and breaking the glaze on the shoes and the drum, I adjusted the front shoe to a light drag feeling and then spun the wheel several times, actuating the brake suddenly to make sure the shoe and linkage were all in their proper position. Then I spun the wheel again and actuated the rear shoe via it's actuating arm (not connected to the linkage from the front shoe). I then tightened the cable at the handlebar lever to make light contact between the leading shoe and the drum. Next, I held the actuating arm for the rear shoe to make similar light contact with the shoe/drum. I adjusted the linkage to allow the pin to fit into the clevis in this position and - TA DA! - it works. Backed off the cable adjuster to allow free rotation and off we go.
Seems that I may have been simply not adjusting the brake properly all these years. Not too old to learn and I apprecite the assistance from Mark at Moto Guzzi Classics and several list members who offered their suggestions.
Jack Lundberg
Colorado Springs, CO
73 Eldo, 72 Amabassaador, 86 LeMans 1000