Adjusting DLS front brakes

[razor02097]

I tried to search and couldn't find any relevant information... Although my searching skills aren't that great...

I have new shoes, springs, and cable. When I assembled the brakes I put everything back exactly how it was but it just doesn't feel right. I am able to pull the hand lever to the grip with about as much resistance as a very heavy clutch. Shouldn't there be a "wall" where the brakes won't engage any further?

I looked at basscliff's site and downloaded the GS250T, 300L manual but it only shows the 250T brakes which has front disk. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to how to adjust my front drum on my GS300?

[Steve]

With new parts everywhere, you have some rough surfaces, especially on the shoes. The high points will hit first, then compress a bit as the other points are brought into contact. You will not feel the "wall" until you have a few miles on them to wear off those high points.

To break the shoes in, ride at a modest speed in a parking lot, drag the brakes just a little to warm them up, then squeeze them harder (not a panic stop) to come to a stop. Repeat this a few times, then let them cool completely. Might take two or three sessions to seat everything properly, and you will likely have to adjust your cable, too.

.

[razor02097]

Makes sense

I'm not very confident in the PO's mechanical abilities.... I don't know if he ever adjusted the brakes before or not. I have never adjusted a front drum before so I was going to go through the procedure real quick so I don't mess up the $70 shoes that went on there

I guess I'm nitpicking because I want it to be ready for spring

[John Kat]

I have an old CB 77 Honda that came with a DLS front brake ( competition heritage).
The way I adjust the shoes is to make sure they both "attack" the drum simulteanously.
To do this you lift the front wheel and tighten the front brake cable until the brake starts dragging.
Typically the brakes will drag once par turn on a high spot of the drum.
Next you adjust the "slave shoe" until the brakes drag twice per wheel turn.
Thighten the counternut and release the brake cable back to it's normal position and you are done

[razor02097]

Looks like it was a mistake I made. I was off one notch on my alignment marks... I tore it all apart and started from scratch. The front brake works very well now!