[Jersey Suede]

I am venturing into my first mechanical brake revamp and have a question. I notice that the front brake levers seem to have a lot of play in them, an inch or more, before there is any resistance against the brake shoes. Is this normal?

If not, my brain feels that the front brake shafts are too short and may be worn and should possibly be replaced, but it seems like an awful lot of wear to allow the brake levers to have that much free play. Then I read something about "pills" to take up the slack. Huh? I'm stumped.

I've attached a Photoshopped image of the arm to show the amount of play.

Any help is appreciated.