Weak Brakes

[zud00]

I have the stock linkage with fuel tubing replacing the spring. My brakes won't engage until the linkage is almost horizontal. In reality, it has to be close to 60 degrees or so before the brakes engage and they don't even grab that well. Is it because the screws holding the calibers have backed out and need retightened? I have the dual disc stainless system. I used blue locktite on the screws.

 

[X]

Definitely check and make sure the screws are tight. The brakes should still be relatively loose when the brakes aren't engaged. Take off the linkage and see if when you move the brake lever manually that they put enough pressure on. If it works, then take notice where and how much the lever needs to move to make good pressure. You can adjust how far the servo moves (end points) and can bend the brake lever to give you more leverage.

 

[D-Sims]

Mine did this also. I turned down the black adjustment knob down to where only one or two threads were showing.

 

[Larsenracing]

Some of your problem could be Loctite, don't use loctite on plastic as it eats the plastic away. You need to pull the screws out and use super glue to hole the screws in better in plastic. Only use loctite when the screw is going into metal.

I have had the same problem with the screws being pulled out of the transmission.

Another great mod for the brakes and for that mater all screws with the wood style threads should be or is a great idea to replace with a standard machine screw thread as they will last alot longer and will hole much better.

Just my .02 though.

 

[zud00]

That's a good tip. I guess I wasn't aware that they screw into plastic. Here's a picture of my linkage. With the linkage like this, the brakes still aren't engaged.

 

[X]

If they are engaged that much you should have solid brakes. Check how tight the screws are. Also you might want to make a bend in your brake lever to help with the braking.

Look here:

 

[Larsenracing]

Otherwise you can bend the rod comming up from the cam like this:

My linkage is comming from the other way because of the Mid-tank but you want to bend the rod going vertical the same as mine. This will give you much better brakes.

Next step is to upgrade to the OFNA style linkage as its easy to do and has much more adjustment to it.

 

[zud00]

I'll probably retighten the screws and use super glue like suggested. Is CA glue ok to use? I will also bend the linkage.
Also, is it necessary to replace the stainless steel discs? Or can I just keep using them and get new pads?
I would like to do the ofna throttle mod sometime soon.

Hey X, why do you have so much fuel line?

 

[X]

I'll probably retighten the screws and use super glue like suggested. Is CA glue ok to use? I will also bend the linkage.
Also, is it necessary to replace the stainless steel discs? Or can I just keep using them and get new pads?
I would like to do the ofna throttle mod sometime soon.

Hey X, why do you have so much fuel line?

You should be able to see if the discs are dinged up or worn enough to replace. Generally I just pick up a whole new setup as they only run $10-15. I use that much fuel line incase I dump it on its lid. It will help keep it from going lean and cutting off.

 

[Larsenracing]

Like X said you can take a look at the discs which are more than likely fine. Yes you can just replace the pads. When you install them add a bit of super glue (CA) to the back of them to give them a bit more adheasion as the adhesive on them isnt very good, it works but could be better.

Yes CA is basicly the same as super glue so you will be fine putting that on the brake screws to help hold them in.

 

[zud00]

Thanks for the tips guys. I wish I had a really really long screw driver to take out that one caliber screw. I know i can get one of the screws with a phillips bit and a pair of plyers, but that top one could be gotten with a long screw driver through the back entrance.

 

[X]

Just do like I did and go buy a really long #2 philips at menards or home depot. They got some cheap screw drivers there.

 

[AllanQ]

Could your brake piston have fallen off when you installed the stainless pads? This might explain the brakes not engaging. May be a good thing to check when you work the brakes.

 

[zud00]

No, I have had the stainless dics for about 3 or 4 gallons by now. I have had brakes, they just gradually get weaker and weaker.

 

[zud00]

I inspected the brakes today-it appears that they are just worn out pretty bad. I was able to bend the linkage and get a little more life out of them. Looks like I'm going to be purchasing the dual fiber discs soon.

 

[X]

thats the fun part of the hobbie. If it breaks you get to buy something better.

 

[MTBikerTim]

The other thing I have found that wears and causes you to have no brales is the rod that pushes the piston. The edge that pushes the piston out over time becomes rounded so it doesn't push the piston out as far. The rod is $2 so it's worth replacing if worn. Only problem is you normally have to pull the tranny out to replace it.

 

[zud00]

thats the fun part of the hobbie. If it breaks you get to buy something better.

I agree with you, but my wife doesn't! :nono:

The other thing I have found that wears and causes you to have no brales is the rod that pushes the piston. The edge that pushes the piston out over time becomes rounded so it doesn't push the piston out as far. The rod is $2 so it's worth replacing if worn. Only problem is you normally have to pull the tranny out to replace it.

Could you give me a part number for the piston you are refferring to? I'll have to pull the tranny out to replace the brakes anyways, so it won't be a problem.