Di Blasi bike probs with rear brake

[Anonymous]

I have a Di Blasi folding bike with the rear brake in-hub. Out of the blue, this morning, with no prior symptoms, when I started braking it came hard on, skidding the rear wheel. I tried being more progressive (almost impossible to be more progressive than I had been actually) yet it snatches, making the rear brake unusable. While experimenting, it did once come back to normal but then reverted to snatching.

As a liveaboard, presently not at my home base, I do need the bike and can sort of manage with the front brake only. My questions are:-

How do I take the rear wheel and brake assembly apart?

If I take the rear wheel off and inspect it, am I likely to find that I need a new part (which parts?) which won't be available here (Gibraltar) and have to put it all back again waiting for a part to be sent?

If taking it apart and inspecting it is easy and doesn't need any special tools then I will just get on with it but I want to avoid putting the bike completely out of commission until I can get parts.

Many thanks

 

[johnalison]

Sorry I can't help you specifically re brakes, but you can take the rear wheel off which is a bit easier than putting the derailleur gears back together. I know because I had a puncture last year. As far as I remember, the rear brake drum is more open than the front, so you should be able to diagnose the problem. Just make a careful mental note of what you're doing when dismantling.

 

[Talbot]

Lots of photographs!!!!!!

 

[Col]

It is likely that the friction material has come unstuck from the shoe and is getting jammed in the mechanism. Do not use it like this. If it comes completely adrift the rear wheel is likely to unexpectedly lock up. Order your self some brake shoes. Also check the cable while you're dismanteling.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, guys, I'll wait till I'm back at base for the winter.

I really appreciate the input /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[glenndraper]

hi We have two in Duquesa, Try plenty of wd40 on the cable cos we found that it can "stick" and as you keep applying the brake it gets "stuck on "
As a matter of interest did you get yours registered and insured? Please PM me if you did cos we got ours direct from Italy and now we cant insure them

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I'll give that a try but it does feel as though it is probably friction material come adrift - worth a try, tho' /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Sorry I can't help with insurance. Mine is an old one I bought from another yachtie for €100 and I don't insure it. I am thinking of extending our Pantaenius personal possessions cover and that would cover our bikes, so might be worthwhile.