Got it going down the road

Woodsie · Post by **Woodsie** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 9:47 pm

Started it up and rode it down the street. I have not ever ridden one of these so it was a blast. There are several questions and concerns but first and foremost for me is the brakes. The rear brake barely slowed the bike down, the front was a little better. But I was only going about 10 or 15 mph. How well should the brakes work? I've attached a picture. If it doesn't send I will attempt some other method. Didn't work.

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 10:44 pm

Dreams are known to have poor brakes, but they probably should be better then that. If it's been sitting for a long time there may be a lot of rust on the drums. Pulling the wheels and cleaning them may help considerably.

Woodsie · Post by **Woodsie** » Wed Mar 25, 2015 11:13 pm

I pulled the rear wheel off and the shoes and drum looked good. I really have to figure out how to attach photos.

jensey · Post by **jensey** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:50 am

I pulled the rear wheel off and the shoes and drum looked good. I really have to figure out how to attach photos.

What is your definition of good ? Shiny ? Did you measure things ? What's is the inner diameter of the hub ? What is the thickness of the liner ? Are the liners greasy ? Is the brake arm mounted in the right angle and position ? etc, etc etc.

Sorry I asked all those stupid and unnecessary questions, you say it's good, and I''ll take your word for it, so I suggest the following procedure:

Replace the brake shoes, and match the break hub radius with the break shoe radius with a lathe. I prefer replacing the brake shoe linings with modern lining material. I know, there's some money and time involved, but it's the only way to upgrade the brakes.

Jensen

btw :If you don't know what good is, I suggest to start reading the manual, else accept that you have an old bike.

Woodsie · Post by **Woodsie** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 9:03 am

I appreciate the reply and will look further into the brakes.

mike1969 · Post by **mike1969** » Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:42 am

Woodsie, I only have 2/32" on front and rear of my Dream. The brakes are adequate to stop you but nowhere near hydraulics.
Like Jensey said it may just be a matter of adjustment. The front are pretty easy to adjust but the rear brakes are a little tougher. Mike

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Sat Mar 28, 2015 8:15 am

Use some coarse grit wet/dry to sand both the drum and the brake shoes. Brake shoes and drum are probably glazed.

When re-installing wheels, leave everything loose, spin wheel by hand and actuate brake to stop wheel, hold brake and tighten everything up-- this centers brake drum in hub.

No need to throw money at a problem that can probably be fixed for cheap.