new to the site and xs bikes

[mikegeeee]

Hi my name is Mike and I recently scored my 1981 400 xs H special ll... i really got lucky it runs and rides great and came with cool sidebags.. i need to redo both front and rear drum breaks and get new rear rubber... I plan on keepin it pretty stock aside from some pipes! Any helpfull hints for the break job? I got the pads and plan on tearin it apart after a ride this wekend. This site is a great resorce and i am soo glad to have found it. Thanks MIKEG

 

[Specdog]

Hello Mike and welcome to our forum. A tip on cleaning drum brakes is take the time to pull out the pivot arm so you can clean the corrosion and lightly lube the shaft.

 

[drewpy]

welcome Mikeee,

I suggest reading a workshop manual first, you can download one on this site

 

[Scorpio1963]

Welcome Mike you just found a very good site for our bikes with alot of very knowlegeable people here

 

[mikegeeee]

Yeah thanks i have read the manual i have a copy ! and i have also checked out the one on the site i relly like the parts manual good info!!

 

[xschris]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Lou Ranger]

... i need to redo both front and rear drum breaks and get new rear rubber... MIKEG

Welcome to the Forum Mike.
Depending on mileage, you might be dealing with 32 year old drum brake linings. That likely means 32 year old asbestos dust when you take it apart. You may want to wear a good mask AND mist the area down with a spray bottle before you do any jostling. That will contain the dust and let you get rid of ALL of it in the garbage. You don't need it on the shop floor afterwards - or sucked into your household vacuum either.

 

[Tripster]

Hey another fellow newbie, welcome