What's causing my brakes to not snap back?

  • Buschpush
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Forgive me if I sound dumb, new to this
More
19 May 2024 11:23 #899306 by Buschpush
I have a old 1981 kz250 single just wondering if the spring has gone bad or maybe I need grease. Attaching a video to explain
 

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 May 2024 20:07 #899344 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
No video.

If you are talking about the rear brake, a common problem is rust and crud in the foot lever pivot. Disconnect the rod to the rear brake and see if the lever moves freely. If not, it needs to be removed so all the crud and rust can be removed, then the pivot should be lightly greased before reassembly.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
  • Offline
  • User
  • Enjoy Life! IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!
More
20 May 2024 04:21 - 21 May 2024 03:36 #899356 by slmjim+Z1BEBE
Replied by slmjim+Z1BEBE on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
Agree with TexasKZ.  Brake pedals can be difficult to remove if the pivot rusted badly.  Penetrating oil & patience always works. A drop or two of oil every season will keep them working freely.

In addition, there is the shaft that passes through the brake backing plate that rotates a few degrees when the brake pedal is pressed.  If it's the original factory grease, that grease has likely become very stiff & sticky with age.  Remove the shaft from the backing plate, clean the shaft and the bushing it passes through on the backing plate.  Lube the shaft, bushing & large pin the brake shoes pivot on.with brake grease & reassemble.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A

www.kawasaki-z-classik.com
An enthusiast's forum focused exclusively
on all things Z1, Z2 and KZ900.

Last edit: 21 May 2024 03:36 by slmjim+Z1BEBE.
The following user(s) said Thank You: howardhb

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Buschpush
  • Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Forgive me if I sound dumb, new to this
More
23 May 2024 17:25 #899596 by Buschpush
Replied by Buschpush on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
Sorry for the late response guys gonna attach a video YouTube short link here.

Having issues with it not wanting to move but also my wire seems to be too long!

youtube.com/shorts/Cu4hRTzdZd0?si=DaSa2Buw83zBTe_3

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
23 May 2024 20:23 #899608 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
The cable looks pretty dry. I would make sure everything is clean, properly lubricated, and properly adjusted. 

the lever pivot needs to be clean and lubed, the cable and its ends need proper lubrication.

The shaft going into the drum needs to be clean and lubricated, as do the cams inside the drum. 

Light grease for the pivot screw, cable ends, the shaft, and a thin film on the cams. Cable lube spray for the cable. Motion Pro makes a really handy tool for the cable lube that will prevent a large mess.

If you do not know for sure that the brake shoes are fairly new, throw them away, no matter how much lining remains. The adhesive deteriorates with age. If the lining comes loose while you are at speed, the results can be catastrophic. 

Finally, make sure all of the adjustments have been done according to the factory service manual.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
23 May 2024 20:42 #899611 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
I don’t recall seeing a KZ250 with a twin leading shoe front brake. As I recall, the KZ440 had one, but I believe  its linkage was below the axle.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
24 May 2024 08:59 #899650 by moizeau
Replied by moizeau on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
Strip and clean all parts, front hub mech, lever and cable. Check each part works as it should individually. I.e. does the cable move freely when it's not connected to anything. Rebuild it, testing after each stage. I.e. does the cable move freely when it's in the lever.
The problem can only be crap.........unless the shoes are so worn that the cam is turning too far.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
25 May 2024 10:00 - 26 May 2024 06:56 #899705 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic What's causing my brakes to not snap back?
Echoing the previous comments.  The brakes probably need basic maintenance and the brake shoes ought to be replaced if you don't know how old they are.  The adhesive that binds the linings to the shoes can fail over time, so a lining can separate from a shoe, then get jammed between the shoe and drum, locking a wheel. It happened to me so it does happen. In your case with dual drum brakes (Fr drum & Rr drum), locking the front wheel would be bad, possibly deadly.  As for the maintenance, be sure to use brake grease, applied in the appropriate areas. Don't get any on the braking material (drum & shoes).  I use permatex ultra in the little packets:  you won't need much.  The front brake cable may need replacing as well.  This is all basic maintenance.
one little packet could last years. I think it now comes in a tiny tube.
Last edit: 26 May 2024 06:56 by martin_csr.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum