#1

Puck brake adjustment.

in Improving your pride and joy and how to fix things Thu Apr 07, 2016 6:48 pm
by Dee J (deleted)
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Can anyone point me towards the correct brake adjustment sequence for my 1980 Puck. The shoes have adjusters, as do the individual cables, as well as the central cable. What I'm looking for is how to get the shoe activating levers into their ideal position. Backstory... noticed the van pulling to one side on overrun braking... tested the cables, and one came away in my hand! Nothing broken, but the cable had come unhooked from the lever. I suspect the lever pulled too far in, allowing the cable end to pull clear.
Thanks
Dee


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#2

RE: Puck brake adjustment.

in Improving your pride and joy and how to fix things Thu Apr 07, 2016 7:35 pm
by Aaron Calder | 3.834 Posts

I think in your position I'd want to remove the brake drums to inspect the shoes and mechanisms before carrying out any adjustments.

My advice, unless you are an experienced mechanic, would be to let a mobile caravan servicing mechanic have a look and carry out any remedial works including shoe and cable adjustment.

That way you'll be reassured by an expert that all is well after which you can tow with confidence.


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2003 Triton 420 and Audi A4 2.0Tfsi S-line SE Cabriolet


Last edited Sun Jul 09, 2017 1:43 pm | Scroll up

#3

RE: Puck brake adjustment.

in Improving your pride and joy and how to fix things Thu Apr 07, 2016 7:38 pm
by Ribski | 1.468 Posts

Hope this "un qualified" overview helps -

Firstly the brake drums must be adjusted by means of the 'star wheel 'adjusters inside the drums - access via the holes in the back plates. Raise the wheels and adjust with the hand brake all the way off - cable slack. Adjust till each side 'binds very very slightly (only VERY slightly ! !)

DO NOT TRY to adjust brakes via the cable ! When you're happy that the drums are adjusted correctly with the cable slack then go to adjust the cable- engage the brake by about 2-3 clicks then tighten each side cable adjuster, with the wheels still free, until each begins to lock up equally (the amount of adjusted thread on each side should be near equal at the balance bar - now pull lever towards vertical , check wheels are locked firmly. Tighten the cable lock nuts and all should be well :)

I AM NOT QUALIFIED SO PLEASE Anyone on the Forum more qualified CORRECT me on this important safety issue !

PS whilst the wheels off the ground - it would be a good idea to check the smooth running go the wheel bearings !


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#4

RE: Puck brake adjustment.

in Improving your pride and joy and how to fix things Tue Apr 12, 2016 9:08 am
by Dee J (deleted)
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Thanks to you both for your input and advice. As a fairly mechanically able person I am happy to deal with brakes etc... so it was more a case of knowing the sequence and procedure for this specific setup. It looks like my van had previously been adjusted on the cables only - so the lever was a long way from its neutral position. As a result, under heavy overrun braking, one of the cables managed to slip its moorings. No great harm occurred, its only a 500kg van behind a large car. My 750kg cargo trailer is unbraked and presents no problems even fully loaded.
I only discovered the fault a few hours before departing for France for the weekend, and my quick reassembly seems to have survived ok. Now with a little more time I'll do a full rolling chassis service.


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