Brakes Coaster Brakes... Funky Problem

[DuctTapedGoat]

So, I think it's the coaster brake that's doing this, I haven't taken the wheel off yet, I wanted to get some opinions first.

I picked up a WCC chopper bike a few days ago, did a little work on it just patching the tubes and tightening up the triple tree. Today I took it on a maiden voyage for about 2 miles.

I began to hear a slight squeak from the back of the bike, but it progressed until it was a deafening squeak, the wheel got harder to pedal, and in the end I couldn't pedal it. Common sense told me to wheel it backwards for 40-50 feet, and then it was good for another 5-600 yards, when it did it again.

What does this sound like to you? I don't believe that it's the hub/axle bearings, but I'm not ruling it out. I haven't taken the wheel off yet, like I said, I want to get some opinions first. I haven't had a bike with coaster brakes since I was like 10. Is this something that can happen with coaster brakes? Is there something I missed when remounting the back wheel, is there a way to "tune" the coaster brakes, or calibrate/adjust it or what?

Let me know! I'll try your suggestions first before I go tweaking around blindly.

 

[Esteban]

Sounds like you need to tear it down. It sounds like the bearings are adjusted too tightly &/ or the brake arm is not anchored in place or is missing !
But you really need to tear it down, now, to look for damage. This is a good website, although newer Chinese coaster hubs can be a little different. One thing I have seen with every cheap, new bike, is that there is not enough grease in these hubs to last any amount of time. People will tell you that it is a " special new grease, " but even if it is, there is not enough in there to function right. This is a good website .

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/coaster-hub-overhaul-pedal-brake-hub

 

[GearNut]

Another note, It is impossible to over grease a coaster brake hub. Get as much grease inside it as you reasonably can, paying close attention to the bearings. Any excess will get squished out upon re-assembly and you can wipe it away with a rag.

 

[DuctTapedGoat]

So, with the warmer weather I decided to finally tear down the coaster brake.

Major pain getting it back together, but I regreased and it's /better/, but far from fixed. The clutch is what's acting up, it's as though it's not fully disengaging.

I wish there was an alternative to coaster brakes on the WCC bike with stock wheels. Any suggestions?