Parking Brake not working !!

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone ever had to do any work on their parking brake? When I pull the parking brake back it doesn't engage the brake at all. I pulled it a few times while looking at the brake and it is moving the linkage but it doesn't seem the brake pad is engaging. I haven't looked at the manual yet but does anyone know if there is a seperate brake pad just for the parking brake? Or does it engage the rear brake like when you pull back on the brake lever on the handle bar?

Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge on this. When I try to fix it I will do a Pictorial and post it. I have to say that it doesn't look difficult to fix but I just haven't got my manual out just yet. It seems like everything is working good excpet for the brake engaging at the rear brake linkage. Thanks.

Yes, the parking brake is a separate Brake pad and have to be adjusted. No big deal, it is done in 5 minutes...

Jeff it is an easy fix if it only needs adjustment.Yes it is a separate brake pad just for the parking brake.You set the parking-brake loosen a lock nut adjust until wheel stops when spun by hand and tighten lock nut your done.Look it up you'll see what I mean.

They have said it all.

As said its an easy adjustment.

I had a similar problem, on removing the parking brake caliper the pads were almost down to the metal.Bought a new set and I was surprised as there is very little meat on the pad from new.

Wal

walmac wrote:

Bought a new set and I was surprised as there is very little meat on the pad from new.

Wal

Surprising! I mean the pad shouldn't be subject to any rotational force. The pad should be applied to a stationary wheel so therefor wear shouldn't be an issue!!!

You using it as am emergency brake or something?

No handbrake turns Doug .
This was as found on my first wing obviously previous owner was a bit forgetful about the parking brake.


Wal.

walmac wrote:

No handbrake turns Doug .
Wal.

I rarely use mine, I do work it a few times just to ensure it doesn't lock up. (Spoilt now I can garage it and work is boringly flat so it's enough just to plonk it on the side stand)

While I've had to adjust mine several times over the last 55K miles I've actually had more of a problem with the brake not releasing.

The handle & cable would release fine, but the brake lever wouldn't let loose. It would free up if I used a wire hook to lightly tug at it though. I 'rebuilt' the caliper several times but it would still occasional seize. Finally I bodged together a bracket and spring (like a Burgman 650) to put some tension on the arm so that it would be encouraged to release.

Tim

Tim have you checked out yours for a possible fraying cable? That would give similar signs.

I had the same symptoms on my Suzi Burgman. Very awkward to change on that as the cable and conduit where one unit.

thanks for all the replys. It seems simple enough and I will take a few pictures too. Thanks.

Waspie wrote:

Tim have you checked out yours for a possible fraying cable? That would give similar signs.

I had the same symptoms on my Suzi Burgman. Very awkward to change on that as the cable and conduit where one unit.

The cable and everything are fine. It's just that the caliper mechanism isn't releasing, for some reason, without a gentle tug.

I've had the mechanism apart & lubed several times, but it still binds up occasionally --always at an inappropriate time or location (like when I've parked in a puddle)

Sometimes it will free up if I rock the scoot back a bit. So I've learned -the hard way- not to back into a curb and then set the brake.

Tim

Walmac, is that an RE in you avatar? Picture to small for my old eyes, could be a Matchless/RE combination as they were mixing and matching in the later years of the Birit dynasty. Take care, Dick

Waspie wrote:

walmac wrote:

No handbrake turns Doug .
Wal.

I rarely use mine, I do work it a few times just to ensure it doesn't lock up. (Spoilt now I can garage it and work is boringly flat so it's enough just to plonk it on the side stand)

I hardly used the one on my Helix as the rear brake on it was under the right foot. Just as well, as the Helix park brake was a pain to set and release. On my Swing I use the park brake often as both regular brakes are on the bars and with the mail in my left hand I can't open the garage door, so the handy brake, pull to set and release is used often. In fact, sometimes I use it just to impress myself, because it works so well.

Hi Dick,the bike is a 1959 Royal Enfield Constellation 700cc twin,
pure bred

Sold late last year as it became too heavy for me.

cheers
Wal.