OP
UTC

Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
 
Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
UTC quote
Hi everyone!

A or B, which is your PX's front brake setup? I recently got a '97 PX150E and lately my front brake had some issues so I got around to checking the controls on the back plate. That's when I noticed that some are set up like A while mine is like Setup B (actual photo of the PX's back plate). Looking closely though, while it is indeed like Setup B in the exploded diagram, the exception is Part #34 which is the Brake Cam. When I removed the nut and washer, the Brake Cam is more like Part #23 on Setup A. (see last two pics)

Anyway the whole thing looked very run down. The brake lever itself fits loosely on the rectangular profile of the Cam, the cotter pin and the bolt seems to be installed backwards, and the bolt itself is rusted and has some lateral play already. And also, if you look at the right side, the speedo holder plate doesn't seem to be the right fit for the cable (big hole). I am thinking of rebuilding everything with some fresh parts. Should I go for the same Setup B? Or do you think it's better converting it to Setup A? If I go for same B, I can't seem to find the exact same Brake Lever (though it looks similar to the lever for the rear brake). Which is the original configuration for the PX Arco anyway? TIA[/img]
Exploded Parts Diagram - Front Brake
Exploded Parts Diagram - Front Brake
Setup A
Setup A
Setup B
Setup B
Cam - Part #23
Cam - Part #23
New Cam
New Cam
@roland87 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
 
Molto Verboso
@roland87 avatar
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
UTC quote
You have Setup A but with someones "upgrades".

'97 Arco have Setup A in original.

Setup B is old mk.I it also have different fork with 16mm axle, brake plate, hub, brake cam and brake cable.
I have Setup B on my 1981 P150X and can say that front brake is terrible. Setup A is much better brake.

You brake cam maybe OK, you need remove it and look.
From your pictures it seems that you need:
- part #22
- EFL brake cable
Speedo cable holder seems like from disc brake models. And part marked "?" is "upgrade" to use old Setup B cable in your Setup A brakeplate.
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
OP
UTC

Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
 
Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
UTC quote
roland87 wrote:
You have Setup A but with someones "upgrades".

'97 Arco have Setup A in original.

Setup B is old mk.I it also have different fork with 16mm axle, brake plate, hub, brake cam and brake cable.
I have Setup B on my 1981 P150X and can say that front brake is terrible. Setup A is much better brake.

You brake cam maybe OK, you need remove it and look.
From your pictures it seems that you need:
- part #22
- EFL brake cable
Speedo cable holder seems like from disc brake models. And part marked "?" is "upgrade" to use old Setup B cable in your Setup A brakeplate.
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
Thanks for the reply Roland! Makes things clearer for me.

Not too familiar with sub models but so I can picture it on the PX series' timeline, what are the production years for the MK1? Is that the default setup for your P150?

How is it terrible from your experience? Is it poor braking, cable prone to snapping?

I agree Setup A looks a lot better and neater. With Setup B, its just probably a few steps easier to replace a snapped cable. For Setup A, you would need to remove the headset and remove and replace it with a new cable along with the cable sleeve. But with less lateral play and a more stable brake lever, Setup A would probably last longer.

The ? did look out of the ordinary. I haven't opened the back plate yet, but if its welded I'd probably have to get a new backplate. Depends on the condition of everything else.

I think I would restore things to Setup A eventually as I prefer the original and correct setup than the current mix of parts. I already have Part #22 (lever) and a new Cam as well on order. Will have to check if the Cam holder (#25) is still okay.
@roland87 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
 
Molto Verboso
@roland87 avatar
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
UTC quote
mk. I ended in 1982 if I'm right. And yes "B" is factory original for mk.I

Braking is very poor and I need to pull lever with 3-4 fingers(with "A" 1-2 fingers is enough for me) with lot of force. I never snapped the cable for 15000 km, but I use high quality SIP stainless cable.

You have no options. You have "A setup". So you can't mix parts with "B". Only brake pads is the same.

You don't need to worry about cable changing.
"A" needs lot less force to get good braking, so cables live very long(if it quality cables).
I worked with some PK's that have "A" and them from 1987-1990 still have original brake cables and brake works much better than my fresh rebuilt "B" Facepalm emoticon

But don't forget - to correct working brake you need all suitable parts and get them right installed.
⚠️ Last edited by roland87 on UTC; edited 1 time
OP
UTC

Member
PX150 E Arco
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Posts: 8
 
Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
UTC quote
I will configure it in the proper setup and put in the proper parts as soon as they start coming in. Will also try one of those ultra smooth cables, those with PTFE. Maybe SIP or BGM.

I'll post my progress here. Thanks again Roland. Ride safe!
@roland87 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
 
Molto Verboso
@roland87 avatar
'13 LML Star 200, '81 50 Special, '81 P 150 X, '87 PK 50 Nuova, '84 PK 50 S
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1474
Location: Ukraine. Kyiv.
UTC quote
Here is cable that I use on my both scooters.
IMHO the best cable on the market.
OP
UTC

Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
 
Member
PX150 E Arco
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8
UTC quote
I have the same cable you use. I'll try the one with teflon (PTFE) for my other PX.

Most of the parts I need are ready. Just waiting for the brake lever holder to come in.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
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