Brake actuating arm

Yesterday I was adjusting my rear brake and noticed a little "bow" in what I believe is called the actuating arm. Didn't think much. Brake felt good. Took the bike out and was really only using the rear brake, just kind of testing it. The brake definitely felt right there, but I thought it should've locked up if I applied enough pressure. It never did. So today I pull the actuating arm from my parts bike and that arm is all twisted.

I assume that the arm is supposed to be straight, but I'm not sure.

Has anyone ever checked?

I tried a Google search followed by Xjbikes, but not much came up.

This is for the 550's. Not sure if it's the same for other models.

I took a some pictures on a flat surface with a straight edge to kind of show what the parts bike actuating arm looks like.

 

I guess I should add that the rear shoes appear to be newer, and I cleaned up the drum a bit when I put a new chain and sprockets on.

 

The bent actuating rod is not an issue.
Scuff the shoes if they are glazed. If they really are fairly new, they may not have bedded in yet. Make sure that the linkage is adjusted to your liking, and that the peddle allows you to fully apply the brake.
Adjustment procedure is the same regardless of model.

 

Yes, that is bent, I would look at replacing it eventually, but it's not really a safety issues though since it "pulls" rather than pushes on the drum shoe actuator arm.

 

Properly adjusted, the rear brake on my xj550 will lock when the adrenaline is pumping in an emergency stop. Everyday use, I have to make the effort to lock it up. You don't want it to be easy to lock up so you do it unintentionally.
As stated above, check pads and inside of drum for glazing, sand or replace the shoes as necessary - esp. if they are originals (delaminating) or if they adjust out almost the whole way. New shoes made a difference on mine, and are only a few dozen dollars. Get them from Xj4ever or you may not get the right ones (personal experience with an ebay order). Different model XJ550's use different brake shoes.

 

Thanks for the advice.