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Ural Brake

The Ural frontbrake has got some weak points which can be improved easily.

Non circular brake drums

Non circucular brake drums have to be grinded on a big lathe. This can best be done by a lorry brake service. They have the opportunity to fix the complete wheel (including tire) on a special lathe and grind it.

Brake Lining

The original Ural brake lining are made of asbestos and are of a poor quality.
Brake service can also glue new EU-standard type lining on the brake shoes.
Do not try to glue on your own, because you wont reach the appropriate pressure and temperature.

The new lining can also be grinded on a lathe to achieve optimal contact towards the drum.
To do so, the complete linings have to be mounted on the anchor plate. Than they have to be stretched to a position acording to the inner size of the brake drum by a screw immitating the force of the bowden cable.

Have a look: Movie: grinding the linings

Brake adjustment

The linings allways have to have a centered position. They can be adjusted via the adjustment screws on the brackets.
Testing the postion can be done by rubbing their surface with chalk. Lift front of bike, so that the front wheel can rotate easily. Now tighten brake lever on handlebar and turn wheel by hand. Dismantle the brake and look at the marks on the lingings (worn off chalk) and adjust the screws accordingly.

It is important, that the length of the bar is as long as the distance between the shafts.
This position causes the optimal gear ratio.

Also the angle of the bowden cable has to be 90 degrees to the lever to achieve full power.