Can rear drum be turned?

[Madbuffalo]

My rear brake has been pulsating and I'm just wondering what others have done to fix.

[Alan H]

Have it skimmed as it may be slightly oval, or rusty/not smooth in places.

[Warehouse1001]

Absolutely it can be turned by a competent machine shop. But....you would need to measure it to determine if it is still within factor tolerance. Being more familiar with Kawasaki I can tell you that the max diameter is in the Kawasaki service manuals. I assume it would also be in the Suzuki manual or Haynes, Clymer, etc.

You should also come by for a ride! Don't know if you have ever ridden along Lake Michigan but it is beautiful! Ride it often. Chuck

[jabcb]

Vintage Brake has some info on the available options: http://www.vintagebrake.com/drum.htm

[Madbuffalo]

Thanks guys, very helpful.

Jabcb, That link provides a good baseline for the work: $39-$50 for brake turning. I'll first check around if there's a local machine shop that can handle it to save shipping. Looks like I would also need to remove the hub to go the vintagebrake route and I was hoping not to go that far.

Chuck, I'll check my manual for tolerances... maybe there isn't enough material left for turning... but I do have a spare wheel with bad spokes so that hub could be better. It was good meeting you at Red's place and I'm still hoping to come your way for a ride this season. There was a young guy at the event local to Muskegon who supposedly has 3 GT's, He asked me to stop by sometime too so I may try to make a day out of it... some Saturday or Sunday if I can find one to get away.

[Alan H]

Make sure that the current spokes aren't overtightened in one area ('play' them and they should all sound similar) as that can affect the drum being slightly out of round. Better to skim the drum with the rim trued so nothing affects 'roundness' of the drum.

[Warehouse1001]

Please do come over for a ride...Would enjoy meeting the guy you mention as well. You can reach me at 517-896-7022. Text or call. Chuck

[Madbuffalo]

Thanks Chuck, I've got your # now and will plan for a ride soon. Next week I will be out of town. Actually I'm loading the GT up with camping supplies and riding from Grand Rapids, MI to Salem, MA for a week. I just finished a great book on historic architecture and there's a large concentration over there that I'd like to see! It's as good a destination as any and really just an excuse for a road trip.

Josh

[oldjapanesebikes]

Make sure that the current spokes aren't overtightened in one area ('play' them and they should all sound similar) as that can affect the drum being slightly out of round. Better to skim the drum with the rim trued so nothing affects 'roundness' of the drum.

+1 to that.

If you have taken Alan's advice and will be installing new shoes then something else you can try is the 'poor man's drum skimming technique'. I've done this a couple of times to good effect. With a pair of old shoes installed, attach some fine emery paper to the old shoes, lightly apply the brake and spin the wheel by hand. If there are slight high spots, you will be able to feel them, so just continue, changing the emery as required till it feels right when the new shoes are fitted. Obviously this will not work in those instances where you have bad scoring, or a drum that is severely out of round, but then if you do you need to replace the drum anyway eh ?

[Warehouse1001]

Josh,
Sounds like a great trip for multiple reasons. When you get back give me a shout. We'll plan a ride and I can help you get squared way on that hub. Chuck

[Madbuffalo]

Update: I was able to talk with a friend in tool & die who says he can turn the drum for me. This one will wait until the bike goes into winter hibernation.

[Warehouse1001]

Good deal!