A.J.S. 16MS, Instruction Book

Page: 68 / 94

BRAKE SHOES
The front and rear brake shoes, springs and expanders are interchangeable. The two
shoes in each brake are NOT identical, they are " handed."
One end of each shoe bears on a fulcrum fixed in the brake cover plate. The other end
accommodates a detachable thrust pin. By inserting washers under a thrust pin its
effective height can be increased, thereby compensating for wear on the brake linings.
BRAKE PEDAL ADJUSTMENT
See illustation 28
The Pedal is located by a spring-loaded sprag which lies between the stop on the pedal
and the leg of hair pin spring.
To adjust the position of the pedal: slacken the spindle nut on the right hand side of the
machine; move the pedal to the desired position; hold the pedal in this position and
tighten the spindle nut.
The most suitable position for normal use is, with the brake " OFF", for the pedal just
to be clear of the footrest rubber.
After altering the pedal position, check the rear brake adjustment.
BRAKE DRUMS
The front wheel brake drum is a shrunk in fit in the hub shell (assembled under heat)
and secured additionally by five screws.
The rear wheel brake drum is integral with the rear chain sprocket and on the
Competition models is secured to the rear hub by five bolts and nuts. Under each nut
is a lock washer of the tab type and it is essential these are always in position.
Harshness in transmission can be caused by the drum retaining bolts and nuts being
loose.
On quickly detachable wheels the rear brake drum is mounted on a separate ball bearing
and the drive to rear wheel is by means of five studs projecting from the hub face which
engage with holes in the drum back face, thereby permitting removal of the wheel with
the brake drum still in situ.
BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT
Brake adjustment, to compensate for lining wear, is normally made by means of a finger
adjuster on the rear brake rod and a cable adjuster for the front brake cable.
After a very considerable mileage this continual adjustment causes the brake cam to
occupy a position whereby the available leverage is considerably reduced and, as a result,
the brake loses efficiency. See illustrations 26 and 27.
To overcome this a hardened headed thrust pin is fitted to each shoe to enable a packing
washer to be fitted under the head as, and when, required. Eight of these washers
(000174) are provided in the tool kit. When wear of the brake linings is taken up in
this manner it is then necessary to unscrew considerably the adjusting nut on the rear
brake rod, or screw in the cable adjuster of the front brake cable, and afterwards adjust
the brake, as described afterwards.
Illustration 28
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