Sudden front brake engagement

Hey everyone-
I have a question about the front brakes on my '96 4G. It seems as if the master cylinder has a sticky spot when using the front brakes. At about 1/3 engagement (very light drag on front brakes), there seems to be a stiff spot when pulling the lever in. Immediately after that point, the brakes engage something fierce! I can somewhat alleviate this problem by pulling vertically on the lever, and very slightly changing the angle at which the brake lever moves the master cylinder. When doing this, the braking is much more progressive, not so "on/off".

Any suggestions???

 

Can't say i have ever had that problem myself. I assuming it just started so heres two things i would look at or do:
Flush and bleed the brakes(depending on how old the fluid is it does absorb mositure after time)
look in to a rebuild kit for master cylinder(should be cheap and is easy to do just bleed it before reinstalling or it can be a head ache)

good luck and hope i helped.

 

My bet is on the surface between the lever and the master cylinder piston being galled up or worn out.
Take your lever off and look at the piston surface. If it has a divit worn in it, you're due for a rebuild and bleed.
In the short term you can try to relieve it by putting a dab of lithium grease on the mating surface.
It's a very neglected maintenance area. Some light machine oil every couple weeks will help after replacement.
I bet when you pull up on the lever your missing dragging across a flatter surface and it feels better because....it is.
BTW if you're going to do the rebuild kit, you may want to look at a new lever too. Both surfaces will wear and starting fresh on both sides will help the longevity of both parts.

 

Try bleeding your brakes. I had a similar problem on my 3rd gen and after bleedding the brakes it cleared up.

 

Pull the lever off, clean and grease the pivot pin and where the lever hits the piston. If things are really galled you may need to replace some parts.

 

There was a ton of old lithium grease on the pivot point.

Cleaned it off and all is 100% again, brakes work excellent, with no parts replaced! Will remember to lubricate this place more frequently in the future.

Now all I need are some nice days to ride!!! (not 37 degrees and raining:frown: )

 

I've got this sticky front braking too

I've got this similar except that it sticks 2-4 different spots depending on how much squeeze I give it.
Rode a friends vfr same year 5th gen and almost did a stoppie! Mine is really really stiff.
I'm wondering if a master cylinder off a later year honda might work such as CBR600 or RC51. Anyone have experience with this?
Scott