[Star2004]

I have a 03 Honda Rancher and I have not been able to get my rear hand brake tight enough, the handle is bottoming out. I have changed the cable and the new cable was no better.

The two dots on the cam on at the back brake are lined up. I checked the brake shoes and drums and they are in spec so they are not worn out.

The only solutions that I have came up with is changing the cam so I have more adjustment or putting washers at the mounting points of the cable.

 

[Pain]

I'm guessing here, but is there an adjustment on the lever [is that the cam?] that attaches to the drum? The lever might be connected to the shaft exiting the drum by a toothed clamp type of arrangement.

I've seen that type of adjustment before, but don't know if that machine is like that.

See number 7 on this diagram:

http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/mode...fourtrax-rancher-es-TRX350TE/assemblies/15500

 

[Star2004]

You have the right diagram. The Break adjusting nut (11) is maxed out. That is really the only adjustment that I have been able to find. I wondered about adjusting the Cam but I did not know if I would be doing more harm that good.

My other thought was maybe this is as good as it gets.

 

[Pain]

Maybe I misunderstand, but it's item number 9 the part you need to loosen up, slide off item number 7 and reposition it to tighten up the cable?

The groove in the shaft, item 7, allows you to slip the lever item 9 half-way off, reposition it, and then slide it back on the shaft without removing it completely.

 

[Helmut]

Yep, like Pain said, just pull the bolt out of the brake lever and reposition it and put the bolt back in. Just move it rearward a spline or two. Sometimes two splines will be too much and the cable will be too short, so if that happens, just move it one spline.

 

[Star2004]

I have tried your suggestion and it it feels a little better when I try it by hand. I will have to road test to see how it preforms. I also have lots of adjustment now.

Another question, should I be able to lockup the rear brakes on gravel, mud or grass?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Helmut]

Another question, should I be able to lockup the rear brakes on gravel, mud or grass?

You may not be able to with the hand lever, but you should be able to with the foot brake if you push hard. To be honest, the drum break system that Honda uses for the rear brakes isn't the best setup. Hydraulic brakes, like used in the front would have worked better. Also, when mud and water gets in the rear brake system, they won't stop you as good either.

I've always found it hard to keep good brakes (drum brakes) on the rear of a Honda utility ATV. You're lucky if they will stop you period. It's almost impossible to keep good rear brakes if you ride in a lot of mud and water.