Hi,
I am still battling with the poor braking performance from my drum brake on my HD ' 95 TLE.
The performance deteriorated, I can't even say wether this was gradual or not. I just know that when I got the sidecar in 2000 the sidecar brake could be felt as it assisted right hand cornering.
These days the rear wheel blocks before one can feel anything at the sidecar brake.
What we did so far:
- adjusted the pad holders
- replaced brake fluid
- vented the system
- sanded down the pads (there is enough pad material left)
We can actually feel pressure coming in through the flexible hose between the T- part, however it seems from there on there is not enough power coming to the wheel brake cylinder.
What could it be?
- blocked line, we checked if it is damaged
- clogged hose
- defective cylinder
thanks for the help
Bernt '94 FLHR + '95 TLE
(is TLE the correct designation? I have the rounded fibreglass boat with leaf springs)
TLE is the correct car for an Electra Glide.
If the unit was stored or inactive for a length of time there could be rust inside of the wheel cylinder causing a mechanical stoppage. I've found a rust problem with some cylinders that have had DOT 3 type (alcohol based) brake fluid added, which will accumulate quite a bit of H20 (even in use) instead of the recommended DOT 5 (silicone based) fluid.
Lonnie
Originally written by Hack'n on 6/6/2007 10:49 AM
TLE is the correct car for an Electra Glide.
If the unit was stored or inactive for a length of time there could be rust inside of the wheel cylinder causing a mechanical stoppage. I've found a rust problem with some cylinders that have had DOT 3 type (alcohol based) brake fluid added, which will accumulate quite a bit of H20 (even in use) instead of the recommended DOT 5 (silicone based) fluid.Lonnie
That is very likely. I would jack the sidecar up and remove the fender and wheel. Then press on the rear brake and see if the brake cylinder is moving the shoes properly and if they are returning. HD used DOT 5 up to 2005 but it's possible that it got mixed at some point. If the cylinder is bad, a replacement should fix your problem.
Good luck.
