Rear Brake Longevity

[wkreps]

No previous experience with brakes.

I have 8500 miles on my 2013 Super8 150 and I've noticed the rear brake really needs a long pull before it engages. I have never adjusted the the screw (by rear wheel) but plan to do so today. I know there is an indicator for replacement but my service manual says that they need replaced if at the indicator while depressed. Is this correct? How in the heck are you supposed to pull the brake lever and still look at the indicator? Is this a two person job or is the information incorrect?

Normal car brakes start squeeking when they are ready to replace. Is there an audio sound drum brakes make when ready to replace? I ask cause I'm not really ready to take off the muffler and wheel to measure the wear on the rear brake pads.

One final question, if you've changed out your rear brakes, how many miles did you get out of them? I know this all depends on braking style but I'm just trying to get an idea on whether I should tear this thing apart.

[Stig / Major Tom]

You apply the brake and then check rear indicator?
I'd put it on center stand. ...adjust "screw" until drags when turning tire by hand...then back off a touch. Then try lever and/or brake.
This is how I did drum brakes on VWs. If I heard squealing back there. ...I waited too long....now have metal on metal! Shoe friction material is worn thru.
Stig

[Mr. Paul]

Strong rubber band 

[klaviator]

I still have the original brake pads at 22,500 miles.

[wkreps]

I still have the original brake pads at 22,500 miles.

Have you ever taken the wheel off to check on them?

[klaviator]

Have you ever taken the wheel off to check on them?

I haven't although I have had the rear tire changed a couple of times so the tech would probably have told me if the pads were getting low.

More importantly, I typically wear out front pads much faster than rear pads, like 2 or 3 fronts for one rear.  My front pads are visible and they aren't anywhere near worn out.

[Stig / Major Tom]

When coming to a simple stop I remind myself to use the easier brake to service. ...the front!
Seems I've read that most riders use up the rear pads first.
Stig

[klaviator]

When coming to a simple stop I remind myself to use the easier brake to service. ...the front!
Seems I've read that most riders use up the rear pads first.
Stig

I have a sportbike background.  I rarely used the rear brake on my sportbikes.  On my scooters I normaly use both but the front brake is more powerful than the rear.

[Mr. Paul]

I just replaced the rear tire on my People 150. I have 17,000 kilometers on the bike. I checked the rear shoes while I was there and they hardly have any wear on them. They have plenty of life left.  I use both brakes but of course the fronts do most of the work.

[teoteo]

Just replaced my rear tyre about a month ago and found that the thickness of the rear brake pads was more than a couple of millimetres;meaning I haven't worn them off too much after about 7 years and 30000 miles of riding. Replaced the front ones at approx. 30000 miles. I tend to use the front brake much more than the rear. I find the rear brakes feeble & only use it to steady the scooter at walking pace. I have adjusted/tightened that rear nut below several times so that the brake lever does not come all the way into the hand grip.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Hey Wayne....
I got this....
Stop sign at bottom of your biggest hill will let you know life span of your brake shoes.
No worries. ...
Stig
Next tech question. ....I'm on a roll here.

[wkreps]

Next tech question. ....I'm on a roll here.

Stig's new nickname . . . "BUTTER", cause he's on a roll. Get it!, on a roll. Never mind.

Now to organized a road trip to a rivertown to test the brakes.

[klaviator]

I recently inspected my rear brake pads.  They have 25,500 miles on them and are nowhere near worn out.  My guess that they will outlast the scooter.

[de dee]

 

order the replacement shoes for the brakes, and look if it has a spring steel angle sticking out , if it does don't worry till you hear the noise ,. the noise starts when the pad is  worn out ,.   

[Redk]

The Stig Hill Test is probably valid for judging the quality of your brakes.
I'd modify it to avoid a mandatory stop sign at the bottom, though...

I generally avoid using the rear brake unless I must...  sand/gravel, or need for a qwik stop.
Mostly used to keep the tail in line with the front.
It's far easier to replace front disk brake pads than rear shoes !

If you hear squeaking in the rear drum you should dismantle for inspection.
Metallic noise when applying the rear brake is strong reason to dismantle for inspection ASAP !

There is no 'squealer' indicating wear on rear mc brake shoes, that I am aware of...
redk