sluggish brake lever return

[wbs]

hello-

problem=front brake lever clevis does not spring back after applying braking

this is with the brake rod disconnected

the rotating shaft between the king pin and the clevis SEEMS well greased

before i go to point of extra work or ordering unnecessary parts:

could, and what is most common, source of return resistance be: weak short-brake springs,separating wedge between rollers, push rod sticking in its casing or other?
thankyou

[SeaSlugs]

Everythign you mentioned haha, pull the drum and have a look. Everythign should move very freely and spring back with a great force - those springs also keep the pedal returned.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Flat Head Ted's brake floater kit removes the top long spring, and that would take away from the return pressure. Also make sure the brake rod support springs have good pressure against the upset in the rod. The front springs are bolted to the front side of the frame bracket, and the rears are bolted to the rear side of the brackets.

[Tom Endy]

Suggestion:

Remove the cotter pin from the large nut at the bottom inboard side of the front backing plate. Loosen the nut and see if the brake actuates normally. If it does the problem was the nut was binding up the wedge assembly. Look for any restriction. The actuator should sit in a slot. If it is not seated correctly it will bind the brake.

Tom Endy

[larrys40]

wbs,
Tom has a good suggestion to make sure you don't have any binding there at the wedge. The 3/4 nut holding the wedge just needs to snug tight.. not super hulked. Fix if there is binding.

I like to remove the springs and make sure it has a smooth unbinding operation.
Additionally Know that sometimes the following problems can also cause that.

1. loose backing plate - a slight rotation on brake applied can lock it up and cause it to stick and not return
2 Worn spindle bolts/king pins ( probably severe if that's the case)

3. bur on brake operation shaft pin - remove to inspect -

4. weak brake springs - I like the Snyders springs as they pull the best (lower silver spring) I've tried everyone elses and undoubtedly Snyders are the best brake springs in my opinion. I do a lot of brake work so have worked through many of the issues.
Along with doing the brake spring install Brattons has an awesome brake shoe install tool item # 2595 in their catalog. It wouldn't let me cut and past but that's the number
A tremendous help!.

Again, check all the items I highlighted above and additionally make sure your brake springs are the high quality units. Not bashing anyone else's of the major suppliers but the snyders units really do have a better pull and return.

Keep us posted on the fix !
All the best!

Larry Shepard

[wbs]

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thanks to all who replied- i'll start trying some of the ideas first chance i get