Upward pointing Brake Arm vs downward pointing

[pauldridge]

There has been some discussion on the forum regarding issues with the downward pointing rear brake actuating arms of the early 50's vs. the change to upward arms on the later bikes, to eliminate the issue of possible servo-actuation of the brakes under certain hard braking conditions.

My '53 Square 4 has the downward pointing arm, and I'd like to change it over if the issues aren't insurmountable. One MAJOR advantage is that access to the brake cable adjusting fixture would be so much easier, not to mention the safety aspect.

Last night I searched through some 200+ forum posts on "brakes", but couldn't dig up any discussion regarding the actual steps (and parts) necessary to make this change.

Can anyone point me to a relevant discussion (and, yes, I have read the notes regarding this on the Draganfly brakes page)

[keith.mettam]

Type the word 'servo' in the search engine Paul. The threads revealed will help you.
Regards,
Keith.

[marcus whatling]

Safer with arm up. Have used both types .If using under arm with cable have plenty of slack in the cable .

[davi.haysom]

Hi, change it to up pointing. no problem, then make it rod operating. drags have the reverse spring for the arm. have done this to all my square fours as the cable version locked up quite easily and nearly had me off several times. best of luck.

[pauldridge]

Thanks Davi,
If you have pictures of your installation, it would be very helpful
Phil

[simon.holyfield]

Watch out for your lower chainguard and brake light switch. Later bikes have the switch mounted on the chainguard, and trying to have a brake rod occupy the same space is a bit tricky.

[pauldridge]

Thanks Simes
I am going to stick with the cable, it just isn't making sense to make a bunch of modifications for a system that may not be as positive as the cable
Phik