I have a 99 FormanS 450. my brakes just don't stop the bike like it used to. I have cleaned out all the drums and brake shoes. it slows it down but nothing like before. should I buy after market brake shoes and junk the other ones? Please Help!!

99 FormanS
99 LT80 (Kids)
99 Banshee

 

Did you try adjusting the play in the brake handles? You should only have .100" to .300" play in the brake handles. Check your owners manual. The cables that work the brakes will stretch and you'll need to adjust them periodically. I've had to make an adjustment after only 400 miles.

 

You didnt say how many miles you have on your quad or how you use it but if you have gotten mud and or water into the drum and driven it for a while (without draining it)it causes the shoes to wear quickly. Once the shoes become worn to a certain point they will require more movement of the actuator lever (between the shoes) to get them to contact the drum. This slack can be taken up with adjustment of the foot and hand brake levers to a degree also. But when the actuator lever passes a certain point it takes more "effort" to achieve the same amount of braking power.
In short, if the shoes are worn more than about half of their thickness you will see improvement by replacing them. I have over 2000 miles on my 99 and they are just about ready. I usually use the EBC brand and they have worked well for me.
Hopefully this explaination is clear enough to help you!

 

I agree with "check your cables", my wifes Recon had to adjust the rear brakes after 300 miles. Just like a chain a cable is stretch a little once it gets broke in.

If you adjust the cables & it doesn't help, go with an after market set of brakes.

 

It's possible that the shoes have become glazed. Try a little coarse grade sand paper on them to remove any glazing before doing anything else.

 

Hot Shoe,

When you say the shoes could have become glazed, what causes that?

 

snowshark I think it means when the brake shoes have a bit of a dust or dirt built up on them mine get that way so it doesn't slow me down as fast.

 

snowshark,
Heat, mainly;often generated by prolonged application of the brakes such as in decending long hills. There are chemicals also available which claim to remove glazing but I've never used any of them.

 

Atv Man & Hot Shoe,

Thanks for the info, my last hobby, personnel watercraft, we didn't have any brakes to worry about.

 

jrvall
The rear brakes can be adjusted (tightened up)with those wing nuts on the end of the rear brake cable at the actuating lever, but I suppose you already know that since you've had the brakes apart. Otherwise as suggested you may be past the wear point and need new shoes. I have a 2000 450es and have had to re-adjust my rear brakes a couple of times from general use and once after someone rode it around the yard with the park brake on, but I am still on the original brake shoes at 2150 klm (approx 1800 miles). I periodically check the adjustment and re-adjust when needed. Once they are re-adjusted they work just like new.

REMEMBER--Have fun,but always play safe!

Jeff