What causes a squeaky front drum brake when stopping...dirty brake pads? Front brake functions properly i.e. stops the bike after slowing...but it squeaks while applying brake.

 

Probably "glazed" pads... hit the pads with some 220 sandpaper...lightly...or ??? maybe the drum itself is glazed [shiney] take a look!!!

 

the springs are on backwards - they need to pull the shoes inward - you will see a light scuff on the drum center from the shoes metal

 

I am having a hard time visualizing just how one would put the springs on backwards....they can't push!!!
Got me so confused I went out to look at one... do Not see it!!!

 

the spring end hooks are installed facing out is correct facing -- facing in the shoes metal will drag on the drum when applying the brake as it arches the brake shoe

its real evident when you see the shoe material worn crooked - usually a deaf guy owns the bike

 

Oh ****!!! Gotcha... Had a service manual even back when the old '68 was a bit newer... I knew I needed it...so tended to follow that kinda stuff..
Even tho for me, it is easier to install incorrectly...
Thanks for the clarification...and yes... they would be backwards... or at least Upside Wrong...huh??

 

Thanks, will check all that both of you mentioned...however just to be clear about the spring. Are you referring to the direction of the spring end hooks #1 & #3... should be facing outwards? I am sure it will be obvious when I open it up and check.

 

Nope I was wrong
looked at mine carefully ['58 - '64]
ends actually face the axel... so IDK about newer ones!!

 

now I'm confused. In the diagram (nothing mentioned in the service manual), appears the springs ends face up (outward top/inwards bottom) on the left and down (inwards top/outwards bottom) on the right for 71 or earlier front drum. Manual only says to install the top spring first, position the shoe, then install the bottoms spring. I will check the brake shoes for uneven wear.

If the drum is glazed, do you do the same as the shoes i.e. sand with 220 grit.

 

Like I said... The ones I have are not like that... the ones on my '68 were...as I recall...
For glazed I do Sandpaper... Not as Fine as 220 for me tho... 100 for that stuff for me..