Gentleman, I have a 1974 Shovelhead in a rigid frame with an early Shovelhead Hydraulic drum brake on it. the whole rear brake assembly is new but it feels like it is dragging, i can barely get it to roll. What is the proper way to adjust this drum? Thanks!

 

On the outside of the backing plate are two 3/8 inch square lugs. The first thing is to make a wrench to fit them. If you try to use an open end you will just round them over. I have an old socket welded to a handle so that the 3/8 inch square opening is the wrench.

These lugs control a cam that pushes the shoe against the drum. elevate the bike and back off the lugs until the wheel turns free. Then starting with the front lug turn it counter clockwise until it just starts to drag then rotate the wheel forward and backward to center the shoes. Back off the adjustment until it just turns free. Repeat with the rear but tun it clockwise to tighten.

 

now THATS a great hint...way cool !

 

Thanks for the Tip! After giving it a proper adjustment it was still dragging me to a stop when riding. I then took it to a local shop and they put a different spring in there to get the shoes to come back. Now everything is working great. Thanks for the help!