Why does a Piaggio Vespa stop braking?

Here's how to do it:

• Problems related to wear of brake components
• Adjust the front and rear brake cables
• Check the condition of the jaws
• Clean the brake drum

Problems related to wear of brake components

After constant and prolonged use over time, the components of the Piaggio Vespa tend to wear out, making some checks necessary. This is especially true for the braking system: the numerous and small mechanisms belonging to the brake can undergo degradation of the material they are made of, making the braking phase of the Vespa difficult , inefficient and therefore dangerous for the safety of the vehicle on Street.

It should also be remembered that the Vespa, by nature, does not have vigorous braking: even the Piaggio motorcycles that have just left the factory brake slowly and gradually. For this reason, keeping the braking system at its maximum efficiency is a fundamental condition to be able to drive the Vespa in total safety.

A safe way to check the condition of the brakes is to test them downhill, possibly in a road closed to traffic or in the garage: if the Vespa slows down but doesn't stop, then there is a problem.

Adjust the front and rear brake cables

As far as the braking system is concerned, the maintenance of the Vespa cannot be separated from a cable check : often, in fact, the worsening of the braking phase depends on the front and rear brake cables, which may be worn or loose.

The first thing to do is to adjust the brakes, tightening the cables: to do this, just open the adjuster near the wheel and screw the nut until it comes into contact with the casing. This, however, may not completely solve the problem: you should always check the condition of the cables, making sure they are not frayed.

A frayed cable , in addition to decreasing the efficiency of the brakes, could suddenly break jeopardizing road safety: if the cables are worn, they must absolutely be changed.

Check the condition of the jaws

The brake shoes are essential for the perfect functioning of the braking system: the two half-moons, in fact, have the task of tightening each other by stopping the rotary movement of the drum brake. For this reason, it is necessary to make sure that they are in perfect condition, as they are easily subject to wear : to check them, just remove the wheel.

One of the main problems concerns the cleanliness of the jaws: they often get dirty with oil and grease, making it necessary to use a degreaser, which may not be enough. To clean them thoroughly, in fact, they must be sanded with a piece of sandpaper, thus removing any impurities from the surface. If the shoes appear too worn, however, they will need to be replaced: the surface of the damaged shoes loses the friction material and could cause sudden problems while driving.

It could also happen that the problem is that the drum is a little dug , and that the jaws are not able to tighten it properly due to the space created between the two.

In this case it will be possible to try to regenerate the piece of iron used to widen the jaws . To do this, it will be necessary to obtain a sheet of hard plastic or iron and obtain squares of 1 mm thick: the squares will then be positioned between the piece of iron and the shoes, so as to occupy the missing space and allow adequate braking. In the case of a hollowed-out drum, however, the safest solution is to replace it.

Council of I RICAMBI DELLA VESPA: pair of NEWFREN brake shoes

Clean the brake drum

Problems related to the drum can also concern cleaning : a clean drum is always recommended to have a braking that is powerful, and to avoid problems related to road safety.

For this reason, it must be thoroughly degreased, especially when its color appears opaque and no longer shiny: here too, if the degreaser is not enough, you can try to sand it. The drum is the main component of the brake and should be checked often: in case of persistent problems, it will be better to have the entire brake system overhauled by a good mechanic.