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Brake Issues

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by RandyM, Mar 30, 2009.

  1. RandyM

    RandyM New Member

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    Hi guys and girls, I took my bike for a first time ride this year and after it sitting for about 4 months for winter to go away my back brake doesn't work or at least very little and my front brake works but the lever is close to the handle bar under full engagement. There isn't any sign leaks, so is this a problem with the LBS?
    Thanks to all who respond. Ride safe.
     
    RandyM, Mar 30, 2009


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  2. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Was it sitting outside? Has it ever had a brake flush? It is a possibility that the pistons in your rear caliper are stuck/sticking and/or possible that you have air (or some contaminant) At the very least, I would do a full inspection of each caliper first (removing, checking the pistons for leaks/sticking, possibily cleaning/lubing the pistons ever so slighty to free them up...wipe excess lube off...too much lube and it will contaminate your disc/pads), checking brake lines for damage/leaks, swelling....then, flush/bleed each brake with fresh brake fluid. Check the master cylinder as well for sludge build, and clean this out if so. See if that helps. Brakes are nothing you want to F around with and not properly maintain. If that doesn't help, you will have to look into that your master cylinder, and clutch slave cylinder are working properly. Worst case you might be in need of a caliper/master cylinder/slave cylinder rebuild. I would advise having a manual handy before trying any of this. Try the inspection and flush first.

    While you're at it, you might want to look at flushing/bleeding the clutch as well.
     
    derstuka, Mar 30, 2009


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  3. RandyM

    RandyM New Member

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    Thanks Derstuka, the bike was stored in my garage which never got below 0 Celcius or 32 F. I bought it from a dealer a year ago December and they stored it for me at that time. I guess I shouldn't assume that they had done a brake flush then, but I will look into your advice, thanks again.
     
    RandyM, Mar 30, 2009


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  4. ianjoub

    ianjoub New Member

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    If you want to spend a little time, change the brake fluid.

    If you want to spend less, bleed them.

    If you are downright lazy, put a zip tie on the front brake lever (tight) overnight and find a way to depress the rear brake lever and hold it down overnight. (Maybe a tie down strap or a cinder block)
     
    ianjoub, Mar 30, 2009


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  5. gradyggg

    gradyggg New Member

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    FLush'em

    Flush'em man, find the 7 bleed points and work your way from the rear to the front bottom to the top. Don't forget to to bleed the secondary master under the seat on your way to the front rotors. Watch our for splashes, as it will kill your paint, and get a friend unless you like strange cycle and man yoga positions I found myself in bleeding it on my own.
    --Good luck
     
    gradyggg, Apr 23, 2009


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    #5
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