How to replace and adjust the rear brakes on a 150 or 50 cc GY6 Chinese scooter

In this video I will show you how to replace and adjust the rear brake shoes on a Chinese scooter. This procedure is similar for all scooter sizes. I will remove the muffler, exhaust pipe, shock, fender, swingarm, and rear wheel to access the brakes.

[@RobBastien]

Geez Paul, this goes way back 10 years ago, well done.

[@masonnuttall1869]

Paul you've honestly made me so knowledgeable about these scooters I can't be thankful enough for how amazing and in depth all you're videos are thank you!!!

[@LabCoatPaul]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching, and remember to share the videos with your scooter friends. :)

[@thrivealist9458]

Just finished mine. I used a two way wood clamp to spread the pads apart worked like a charm. No prying of finger pinching. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Much appreciated

[@juancolon4986]

Thanks for you advice and time to explain all the processes. I just got me a 150cc and I need to ajust the rear brake ,

[@sketchy-ghost0352]

Damn I'm restoring an aprilla rally ac scooter right now and this was the only thing I've never learned to do myself, thank you very much

[@GY6-SCOOTERS]

Paul i appreciate all your in depth informative how to videos bro , they helped me out alot 🙂👍

[@DavidStarkdyvarg]

Awesome, easy to understand, straight to the point with no unnecessary soy fillers!

[@EMWMIKE]

Same here. Helped me a lot doing this for the first time. Loved the trick to get the wheel to stop spinning.

[@noobgamer-eu1ik]

this video was very informative and helped me out to change my rear break shoes in about an hour without ever doing it before

[@Kevincs316]

Thanks a bunch for the how to, I just finished up the back brakes on my scooter. Thanks again!

[@icenesiswayons9962]

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but it looks as if you have vertical fracture cracks at the inside base of the drive side of the swing arm. You may want to confirm this potential problems. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yeah a few people noticed that. It probably is a crack. I sold that scooter a few years ago. I hope it didn't break.

[@abadaniam]

thank you guys for this informative video. Nicely explained, very good step by step procedure.

[@kachiskid]

Good video Paul, the only thing I question is why not just take the exhaust off in one shot instead of separating the pipe from the muffler?

[@MurrayEstes]

I made the mistake of using my power tools and stripped a few bolts. Great advice. Mahalos Konaboyz Honolulu, Hawaii

[@DRAGNET-pn5vf]

THANKS FOR SHARING.🇺🇲👍🏻

[@scuzzy1nut]

Nicely presented Paul. You have made what would seem like a very difficult job look fairly straight forward with care and attention 👍

[@xaraxania]

that's a great film, thanks, I have to tackle this because i have knocking from my brake drum which happened after the MOT guy tightened up the cable super tight. at least i can get everything done in one fix. 😁👍

[@_li1.loc3_8]

i cant seem to get the tire back on probably is it supposed to have a crack inbetween the rim and the brake or does it sit completely flush with the rim

[@df289]

Awesome , thank you.. No way I,m going to be able to do this in our living room LOL

[@soulvaccination8679]

Best I have seen.Great tutorial.Thank you.

[@robertojimenez5765]

Nice video what size are those brakes

[@brianatwell7951]

I have a 2014 Maxxi that the rear brakes hang up whenever applied. I'll try to dig into it tomorrow to see what the issue is.

[@buckmajor]

Wow that is bold working inside the house lol? Excellent work gonna try my one. Thanks Did you reuse the springs for the brake shoe or did it come with the new one?

[@markzanetti6228]

Excellent video

[@leohonore4438]

so my brakes do not work properly and they are new so what do u think is wrong

[@liza-kf2xl]

Thank you Paul ,...I notice that you have a springy type red black air filter did you make it that way? I need one of those.where and how,oh where do you get the parts? Or if it's cheaper where you get your parts

[@nathanielhalyard3548]

Thank's a lot very informative.

[@kevinmcburnett8266]

Most execellent, to the point with everything to look out for! Well Done!

[@Juppie902]

How to know if my brakes are good ? when cold they squeak, as they get warmed up after a few seconds of firm braking from about 40 km/h they dont anymore, but the braking quality isn't what it used to be. they got polished if i remember correctly, about 7000 or 8000 km ago and the nut was adjusted at a shop about 3000km ago. should i just adjust the nut or go ahead and replace the brake shoes ? or just sand the shoes and tight the nut a bit?

[@LabCoatPaul]

It sounds like you could use some new brake shoes. I've tried sanding brakes before, but it usually doesn't work. Also make sure you clean all the brake hardware, and use brake parts cleaner or alcohol on the brake drum. You'll need a tiny bit of grease where the shoes pivot, but make sure you don't get any on the braking surface.

[@ugglyfaceproductions]

Hi i seen your vid and i cant seem to find the 3 swingarm bolts no where..plz help?

[@ramonflores7483]

Thanks you you make it look easy

[@howto9465]

Excellent video-- very well explained thank you very much

[@crazydonutface]

hi, great vid! i dont have 2 spacers before pulling off tire, just large one, after tire comes off???

[@dntphaseme4859]

Hi, I changed the whole break system on my lexmoto gladiator and I've tighten the nut for my breaks but the break is not where near as tight as yours ? It can't get tighter either, my breaks work but won't stop me at all any suggestions ?

[@tdilas1]

I used this as direction on how to replace the swing arm. thanks :)

[@chico3609]

I have a wolfbrand is it the same procedure?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes. The cool thing about Chinese scooters is the engine is almost exactly the same in all of them.

[@matthewlenox7406]

How freely should a rear tire spin? I have a roughhouse 50 and when on the center stand I spin rear wheel. It makes 1 full rotation with some resistance? What do you think?

[@matari7183]

Thanks for the video, wel detailed. Question... I have a Chinese scooter like that, can I install a 150cc motor on it?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes, you can, but it will be a lot of work. The charging system is a bit different, so you'll have to do some wiring, plus it might not mount up to the frame the same way. I recommend just getting a different Chinese scooter. The 50 to 150cc swaps are common with the Honda Ruckus scooter, because It's good quality and not available as a 150. Nobody swaps motors on the Chinese ones because it just isn't worth it.

[@matari7183]

+Paul Shpakov Thank you

[@deepriverrc2034]

90% of these scooter's parts are made in Japan or Taiwan. They're just assembled in China. The gy6 motor is a honda motor. It may not be a genuine honda motor but it's an exact replica built with the same parts. Not saying one shouldn't be careful not to strip threads, just saying it's not "Chinese aluminum"

[@markzanetti6228]

thanks for that info.

[@amysueandtobytoo]

appreciated!

[@jenab2212]

Where can I find the front and back pads for a 2013 Tao Tao scooter???

[@LabCoatPaul]

There are a many places online. Here are a few: www.partsforscooters.com/ www.powersportsmax.com www.vmcchineseparts.com/ www.amazon.com/ www.ebay.com/ Remove your old pads and measure them before ordering. Make sure they look the same as the new parts and have the same dimensions.

[@weliketomoveitmoving1403]

Any ideas why my rear brake squeaks and front brakes vibrate?

[@kedronking]

you guys are awesome, any tips for fixing squeaky breaks?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Start by removing that rear wheel so you can inspect the brake shoes. If they're close to worn out, or if they're contaminated with any kind of oil, replace them. Clean the brakes with water or brake parts cleaner. Do not use compressed air (you'll breathe in all the dust), and do not get brake parts cleaner on the friction material on the shoes. Apply a TINY amount of grease to moving parts, like where the shoes contact the backing plate. Be very careful not to get grease on the braking surface.

[@JohnDoe-fy7mn]

So I was watching this to replace rear tire and ive got the new tire on but now the spacers won't fit! Help?!

[@LabCoatPaul]

It's like a puzzle. You'll figure it out! On my scooter, the spacer was between the wheel and muffler bracket.

[@frankieharris784]

So the back tire row freely

[@octaviez]

And here I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it, luckily I’ve been a DIY car guy for years

[@RuiPedra]

This video was very helpful! Thanks!!!

[@keith23uk]

I notice on this video theres a spring under the top spring that is missing in this video. Thats what is confusing me a little bit but sure I can work it out.

[@moonstrikerII]

hi i have a broken fender do i need to replace it

[@darladunn2728]

I'm trying to find a video of a Jonway 150cc that shows how to replace the fuel line. Mine has a leak and I can't figure out exactly which line it is. Plus, you can't see up in there so it's all by feeling around.

[@ugglyfaceproductions]

what muffler system that is bro..

[@bobuxman69]

replaced the brakes on my 150cc but no matter how tight the cable is or how hard i pull the brake lever, the wheel does not even lock, it just slows down slowly even pulling it as hard as i can on a wet road.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Check to make sure the brake pads move out toward the drum when the wheel is off. Also check for contamination. The pads and drum must be clean and dry with no oil or grease on them.

[@bobuxman69]

@@LabCoatPaul I have already cleaned it, maybe they don't move out far enough.

[@molocks6089]

Hello i wanted to ask about the 2 spacers Is this a small one and a bigger one? Or are this the same size?

[@LabCoatPaul]

I can't remember if they're the same or not. Spacers will be different on every scooter. You might not even have any. The most important thing is to put them back where they were.

[@micahgoingback1771]

Informative to the point video, thank you. Thumbs up

[@aboveandbeyondmini4pro]

Is that a crack in the swing arm

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yup. Chinese scooters are not very good quality.

[@blackrosegaming2016]

Hey could you really respond to this comment what was the sizes of the screws that were taken out? I lost the screws to my moped it would really help if you would respond plz.

[@LabCoatPaul]

That's a tricky question to answer. These scooters use several different sizes of metric bolts. The smaller ones that take a 10mm wrench are M6x1.0. The bigger ones on the muffler are probably M8x1.25 or M10x1.5. The "M" stands for metric, the number after the M is the diameter of the bolt in millimeters (an M6 has a 6mm diameter shaft), and the last number is distance between threads (thread pitch). Basically, if you're missing the little ones, get M6x1.0 from the store, if you're missing the bigger ones, get M8x1.25 or M10x1.5.

[@509062jm]

How do I know what size shoes to buy?

[@lecommentateur1749]

hi. thanks for the video. what s the problem if my rear wheel doesnt spin freely as your video?!

[@carlpeeples7057]

You now have to have your local dealers to correct your mistake!

[@safarijonas3490]

Could be wheel bearings are bad.

[@AgeofReason]

Excellent instructional video.

[@user-xz4hj5rb9s]

So mine, the rear wheel will not move freely. Pls be nice, I’m new to scooters and also repairing my own vehicles. I replaced bearings and drive shaft in transmission. Something may be too tight I think or something else is broken elsewhere. I started the scooter and it screeched so loud and I obviously immediately killed it. Anyone have advice? Thank you

[@LabCoatPaul]

A screeching sound means there might be something wrong with the belt. Remove the transmission cover on the left side and look inside.

[@gregneilsen2967]

Awesomely helpful! thanks

[@liza-kf2xl]

I have the same scooter, can you make a video an how you can replace the speedometer my gas is working but not the speedometer

[@Skaterforlife13579]

The speedometer is mechanical not electrical it's just a cable that spins, it's the cable in the front wheel just unscrew it and follow the cable and it should be attached to the speedometer just unscrew that and vice versa with your new cable

[@pagansunburn2148]

Just curious, but why are you not using the center stand but instead using a tool box under the scooter to hold it up?

[@LabCoatPaul]

The center stand on my scooter would hit the ground on turns, so I cut it off.

[@pagansunburn2148]

I have a 150 Chinese scooter which I just got, brand new 2017 model and I don't even lean mine over that much to come close to hitting my center stand on the ground. I am just curious as to what kind of tires you are riding on to feel that comfortable to lean that far over on yours

[@LabCoatPaul]

They're just the crappy stock tires. I really didn't lean that far. That stupid center stand was just too low.

[@kerkiraz]

Well explained very much appreciated Cheers peeps 😆

[@NinjaFighterUltimate]

thanks. i have a question my kymco super super 8 rear mags/wheels is very hot after using it. is it normal?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Your rear brake is probably too tight and dragging the whole time. Put the scooter on the center stand and try to turn the rear wheel by hand. If it's hard to turn, the brake is probably too tight.

[@andigold9977]

Really great vid....nice and clear. Good job,,,,Thanks...

[@richardbennett8678]

Are the pads bike specific pads

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes, there are many different brake pads. With Chinese scooters, it's a bit trickier to find the right part, because they aren't organized and provided by the manufacturer. You have to search partsforscooters.com or ebay, or your online scooter parts dealer of choice, and find pads that look like yours and hopefully have some matching measurements.

[@NerdilyDone]

This is a great video, thanks for posting it.

[@tracylove9180]

Excellent presentation...I did enjoy it.

[@stevewaterfield4862]

You're a good man. Thanks.

[@Bob_uy_43]

hi there i just want to ask about my scooter problem coz if im riding it the wheel is not balance its a side and i feel im going to slide aside mostly if we are 2 in the scooter i dont know if the problem is the shock absorber or on the frame or bushing. please mail me so i know thanks a lot coz its a big help for me. i dont know to much bout motorcycle but when i wacth your videos i learn something....

[@LabCoatPaul]

elso alvarez First, make sure you have enough air pressure in the tire. With 2 people, you probably want about 45psi. Also check the bolts to make sure everything is tight.

[@Bob_uy_43]

thanks i will check that but i will also check the bushing i think i found it not balance ill try to change it but thanls for your help i appreciate it a lot

[@lboogiesmith483]

What kind of grease to use??

[@LabCoatPaul]

any regular bearing grease will be fine.

[@georgepease3116]

I have a 01 Honda reflex and the right headlight low beam doesn't work ,replaced bulb still nothing swapped relay still nothing have no power on that side low beam any ideas?

[@LabCoatPaul]

That might be normal. Many motorcycles have only one low beam come on. For example, the Honda Ruckus and the Yamaha Tmax500 are both like that. If you prefer both lights to be on for low beams, you can run a jumper from one low beam to the other and you'll have both of them come on.

[@chadwhite2025]

Was hoping you actually put different pads on so I can tell if mine needed to be changed. Good info though

[@Jonesd120]

Would this be the same for a vento scooter?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes, all the Chinese scooters use a similar GY6 engine, so yours will be the same.

[@brirod0411]

Really works thanks for the class

[@sherrylee7550]

thank you so much!!!!

[@monkeman567]

I don't know why i watched this 10 year old video on how to adjust/replace drum brakes on a scooter since mine has disc brakes, But a great video nonetheless👍🏿

[@naturalfizzsailingvideos]

Good Job

[@ezzap]

I have replaced my shoes today but for some reason the wheel pop back on even though the brakes are exacly same size when put them against each other😑

[@americanandpinay]

You figure this out? Having the same issue on a tao tao pmx 150. Same size brake drum but tire drum housing doesn't go all the way back on.

[@samuelmf]

What is that black wire on the exahust?

[@LabCoatPaul]

+Samuel Marchán Fernández Mine has an oxygen sensor. Most scooters don't have that.

[@Matowix]

wtf so on all scooters u gotta take off the exhaust and all that other shit just to get to the shoes. ? so if u get a flat tyre is it the same drama ? I have a hyosung 125 beaver.

[@LabCoatPaul]

yes. The rear wheel is too close to the muffler, so it won't come off unless the muffler is off.

[@Matowix]

Paul Shpakov do you think Chinese scooters are worth buying ?

[@LabCoatPaul]

short answer: nope! Chinese scooters constantly fall apart and need major repairs, even when they are brand new. I've owned 4 different Chinese scooters, and I've had problems including the front wheel coming loose, front fork bolts falling out, rear shock snap in half, fuel leaks, engine dying from defective kickstand switch, charging systems not working, engine randomly dying from defective gas cap not venting, muffler falling off from low quality bolts, and many other problems. From my experience, these scooters require $100 worth of parts and at least 10 hours of labor for repairs EVERY 1,000 miles. You could drive a big gas-guzzling truck and your cost per mile would be lower than a Chinese scooter. They are horrible. If you get one CHEAP, like $300 or less, and you don't ride it very much, and you're very lucky, it might be ok.

[@fctryoffetsh39]

great video man good job)

[@zacharybutler7005]

where do you get your scooter parts?

[@LabCoatPaul]

+Zachary Butler www.partsforscooters.com is one of the best.

[@davidk1579]

taotao parts direct, lots of places on the net..

[@marie82924]

Hi does anyone know if your rear brake shoes are worn will the rear brake the work the light when stopping if not anyone k ow what the problem could be front brake works brake light fine

[@LabCoatPaul]

If your brake shoes are worn, you'll get a rear brake that is weak or does not work. The brake light would still work.

[@djs_projects_repairs]

This goes for most rear drum scooters or close to most

[@al-talebmohamed9306]

Thank u captain 👍

[@teemann8403]

just bought an 08 gator 150, she looks almost the same.

[@damienvanderwolf8335]

Awesome Paul!...some European types easier to work on

[@thermodynamics1110]

yeah like BMW cars...

[@flipykicker]

Thanks a million monnn

[@MurrayEstes]

Thanks!

[@grant2053]

Btw, it looks like you might have a crack in your CVT case where it meets the motor. Look at 4:50

[@LabCoatPaul]

Oooohhhh!~ Chinese piece of shit! It looks like you're right! I hope it doesn't fall apart any time soon! wow... thank you though!

[@jamesnorton1793]

Paul Shpakov Yeah, that guy saved your life.

[@grant2053]

Paul Shpakov No problem man! A new motor only costs $300. Thats the good thing about these scoots!

[@CannondaleF700]

Paul Shpakov did it ever snap?

[@Matowix]

Paul Shpakov did you fix it. ?

[@bigginger6531]

Hi looks like there's a serious crack on the case you can see it when you take the wheel off

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! Yup, that's a Chinese scooter. :)

[@davidk1579]

A lot of people asking were to get parts, hear are a few, eager ATV. parts, they have scooter parts too, next taotao scooter parts, taotao parts direct, E-bay. and just type in search box ( scooter parts )

[@infinitystorm7458]

My wheel does not want to come off at all

[@travisjones828]

Anyone have a part number for the new rear drum pads

[@LabCoatPaul]

The rear brake shoes will be different for every scooter. You'll need to take some measurements of your brake pads and find the same ones online.

[@БориславБорисов-я2ы]

Usefull!

[@calebandkylerock]

Iowa buddies!

[@LabCoatPaul]

yup! I used to live in Iowa City a few years ago.

[@calebandkylerock]

Paul Shpakov Nice! I'm from Waterloo.

[@calebk3255]

finally another znen scooter

[@BigJunnie]

Am i the only one that tapped this video thinkn I needed new brakes but my shyt only needed to be tightened ?😂

[@jakakiker2241]

Blud has his scooter in the living room💀

[@RumpleXstillXskin]

Nice video 👍 but not in the house ☹️

[@LabCoatPaul]

I did this video in the winter, so my other option was to freeze while working on the brakes. I chose to stay warm.

[@RumpleXstillXskin]

Yeah indoor when cold 👍