Rear brake won't release?

[XSNate]

The pads are still good and nothing rusted but at a stop I have to rock the bike backwards to get the rear brake to " release ".

 

[jd750ace]

Have you at least disassembled and cleaned the caliper? Often on these older bikes there's a crust of corrosion and crystalized brake fluid that builds up behind the piston seal and does not allow the seal to "relax" when you release the brakes. The result is a lightly dragging brake that can result in no brakes, or an unexpected lock-up. Below is a pic of the crust ring that I found in my front caliper, and the sedimentary sludge that remained in it, even after a flushing.

 

[retiredgentleman]

The piston seal is what gets compressed, and then it's elasticity is used to move the piston back slightly. If your piston seals are old and hard, its time for new seals.

 

[weekendrider]

Nate the terminology has confused them. Try shoes instead of pads.
Then read posts 2 & 3 in this thread.
http://xs650temp.proboards.com/thread/1106

 

[jd750ace]

Nate the terminology has confused them. Try shoes instead of pads.
Then read posts 2 & 3 in this thread.
http://xs650temp.proboards.com/thread/1106

Didn't even pay attention to the signature!

See above.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

FYI, after reading the link above, here's a pic of the external brake return spring.
(Viewed from under swingarm)

 

[XSNate]

Ha! Sorry " shoes " thanks guys prolly just a good cleaning then!

 

[5twins]

Just like the hydraulic systems, due to their age the mechanical drum set-ups need a going through as well. This should help .....

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25632