I would have got the shoes re-lined by Villiers Services, they will advise on the correct material to use. Can't see from the pic what's happening with the forks!

 

The flat side of my shoes are cupped from the action of the cam, probably one reason for poor braking.
Also I’ve noticed the images of replacement shoe online show a reinforced area which presumably bears on the pin opposite the cam and allows the shoes to float a bit?
Mine have a semi circular end which fits the pin (at least it does with the shims I made donkeys years ago..)
Or have I ordered the wrong type?

Forks to follow..

 

And so it goes.
The damper assemblies are 3mm different in length (other ends are lined up).

One of the seal holders has come apart and left the top half and the seal up inside the nacelle trouser leg.

That escalated quickly.

 

Hi John, I also had those shoes with the little bite out of them, I replaced them with a flat type and breaking is fine.

Thanks for the tip about those felt washers for the legs, never knew about them. Will also get a pair but not sure when everything will be apart again to put them back as things are going quite smoothly at the moment 😉, fair I said it. I've tempted fate I'm sure. They will soon be installed🤣

 

I'm not sure that the felt washers (actually sponge rubber washers in later forks) are there to stop losing hardware down the holes, but certainly help stop damage.

 

I reckon it was a small stone that went down there, made quite a mess.

 

FYI
In case you need a more substantial repair in the future.

https://www.pittedforks.co.uk/

 

Thanks Peg, a useful link 👍

 

All parts arrived and the front end is going back together nicely.
Felt washers and new seals fitted, fork legs are now the same length! I bought new bottom bolts and copper washers as the old ones were an odd pair and pretty rusty/mangled.
Had a head scratch over which way round to fit the floating shoes but a phone call and a diagram online sorted that.
As the drum has been skimmed I should really be using thicker brake material but I’ve fitting the spacers I used with the old shoes which give a reasonable lever position, we will see how the brake works if it’s still underwhelming I’ll have the shoes up on my mate’s lathe and skim them to the correct radius.

 

Years ago now, but I had Ferodo reline shoes and with an upgraded material and it did make a significant difference over stock. I can't even remember which bike it was for. But might be worth looking into.

Just checked they're still in Chapel en le Frith
www.ferodo.com

 

Years ago now, but I had Ferodo reline shoes and with an upgraded material and it did make a significant difference over stock. I can't even remember which bike it was for. But might be worth looking into.

Just checked they're still in Chapel en le Frith
www.ferodo.com

I guess you could try them, but they are a brake material manufacturer, I doubt if they do relining. Back at post #2 I advised Villiers Services, they really do know what they are doing on re-lining!

 

Brake Shoe Re-Lining Service – Villiers Services

Villiers Services : - Tools / Workshop Accessories Villiers Parts Motorcycles for sale General motorcycle spares Oils / Paint / Consumables Diecast Models Brake Shoe Re-Lining Service Gift Vouchers Trials Parts Amc Two Stroke (James/ Barnett) Greeves Spares Helmets / Clothes etc ecommerce, open...

villiersservices.co.uk

 

I will probably try Villiers when it comes time to do the rear brake. 👍

 

She’s all back together, forks are working nicely but pushing the bike around I’m not convinced the front brake is much better than it was.
I need to ride it to see but I may be taking the shoes out again to arc them.
@BMF Did you use the original round pivot pin with the new floating shoes? I had to use some spacers to pack them out a bit.
Did your brake arm end up at a decent angle about 90 degrees?

 

@BMF Did you use the original round pivot pin with the new floating shoes? I had to use some spacers to pack them out a bit.
Did your brake arm end up at a decent angle about 90 degrees?

Hi @newsh , apologies for the late reply, being a bit crazy over here.

Here is a picture of my brake lever, no I didn't need any spaces.

I bought these shoes from Monty, but I must be honest. I might take them out and send them to Villiers's to be relined with something softer as the front brake I still feel is not as good as the back one.

These shoes fitted perfectly even though they claim to be for a full width drum.

TRIUMPH FRONT BRAKE SHOES 8" 1958-65 6T TIGER110 T120 BONNEVILLE

TRIUMPH FRONT BRAKE SHOES 8" T100 T110 T120 6T 1958-65 FULL WIDTH HUB PT 37-1401/1 These are for 8" cast iron full width hub only. 1

montysclassicmotorcyclesshop.co.uk

 

It’s a strange design of brake.

Were they trying to minimise leading shoe effect?

 

It’s a strange design of brake.

Were they trying to minimise leading shoe effect?

I read an old thread about this today in which the chap tried switching the shoes around to get more self servo effect on the leading shoe and less contact on the trailing (on your suggestion), no improvement apparently but no lock-up either. The rear brake works great but then the lever is about 5 times as long and has the weight of your leg on it!

 

I know 7” is a bit small for a 650, but has anyone had success with Triumph single leading shoe front brakes?

 

Hi Mick, yes she's a real Bitza, I considered putting her back to stock but couldn't be bothered. Maybe one day when nothing else needs attention. 🤣🤣🤣🤣