Question about Brakes

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:34 am

It felt like the time was ripe to take a look at my front brakes, having never done so previously. I have a spare set of brake shoes from Top Gear's last days but I'm not sure if they are for the front or the rear. I had a set of rear ones from SIP that looked near identical to these. Is there a difference for the vintage Vespas between front and rear? My spare parts catalog says so but I'm not sure.

Here's a picture of the shoes I've got:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/60k4cyubornxr ... .29.16.jpg

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 1:27 pm

For mine they are different

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:34 pm

Yup, different shoes front to back. Pop off the front drum and have a look. Didn't we check them for the OPI? I think they should still be fine. MIght need a cable adjust though.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:41 am

Thanks guys, I just picked up a torque wrench yesterday to have a look for myself. I don't think we ever looked at the front ones and the rear brakes were changed after the OPI was done, when my crank exploded; Time Machine apparently didn't mind. I adjusted the cables a few times last summer to no staggering improvement, but I was adjusting them with only two hands, unfortunately no fourth hand tool was involved.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 1:41 pm

The front brake shoes are indeed very different, having only one pivot pin for both brake shoes instead of individual ones for each.

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:21 pm

How's the lining?

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:00 pm

I hadn't had a chance to look yet, I felt like getting some brakes in before opening it up. My Vespa is still my primary form of transport and, thus, I can't leave it open while I wait for new ones to come in.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:11 pm

But that seems a bit ridiculous so I'll take a look when I get back from an interview I have tomorrow. The few rides I've had so far have been short but sweet.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:12 pm

The front bakes are in good shape, barely worn. I did find a shim surrounding the axle, where the drum meets the axle and woodruff key. Not sure if it's necessary but I put it back just the same. The front bearing is, however, exceedingly loud and a bit bumpy when spun. Will need replacing at some point.

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 12:37 pm

Make that point soon!

Lightly sand the shoes. Put the drum back on. Lightly apply the brakes while turning the drum. Remove drum. Now you can see where the shoe is and isn't contacting the drum. Lightly sand the high spots and try again until you have most of the shoe contacting the drum.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 6:13 pm

Thanks, I shall do that brake work. The front has always been grabby, gripping unevenly.

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 11:12 pm

Whilst replacing the brake pads after sanding down their contact points, one of the pads decided to come over all dramatic and crack. At least now I have an excuse to order from SIP and rebuild the front axle.

jaelee · Post by **jaelee** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 2:10 am

do you even need a front brake for a vespa?

Yarko · Post by **Yarko** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:12 am

I try to use mine, for what it's worth. Downshifting helps but I kicked that habit.

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:15 am

jaelee wrote:do you even need a front brake for a vespa?

Funny....