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Bleedin' brakes!

A

Alexhoc

Registered User
Last year, I changed the brake pads when I got the bike, it meant stripping the calipers to clean them as the pads weren't retracting enough, and the brakes were binding too much for the MOT. Once cleaned and rebuilt, they were fine.

Now it's MOT time again, the pads need changing again. Only trouble is, the pins are seized so I can't take them off. I take it to the garage, who then need to clean the calipers again for it to pass the MOT.

Now the brakes are binding again! I'm thinking of stripping the system, cleaning everything, rebuilding the calipers with new seals, and de-linking them to make bleeding easier afterwards.

Is there an easy solution before I tackle all that?
 
C

CBRDEAN0

Registered User
Alexhoc said:
Last year, I changed the brake pads when I got the bike, it meant stripping the calipers to clean them as the pads weren't retracting enough, and the brakes were binding too much for the MOT. Once cleaned and rebuilt, they were fine.

Now it's MOT time again, the pads need changing again. Only trouble is, the pins are seized so I can't take them off. I take it to the garage, who then need to clean the calipers again for it to pass the MOT.

Now the brakes are binding again! I'm thinking of stripping the system, cleaning everything, rebuilding the calipers with new seals, and de-linking them to make bleeding easier afterwards.

Is there an easy solution before I tackle all that?
Click to expand...

No easy solution - sounds like you need to go the whole distance with a full rebuild.

I did it but I used new seals and new stainless pistons.
All of the sliders and nipples were changed.
Then I rebuilt all three master cylinders with new rebuild kits.
Filled it with DOT 5.1 fluid.
Brakes have been excellent ever since.


Make sure you use anti-seize grease on the pin threads during assembly
 
Last edited:
5

57grant

Registered User
Hi Alex, its one of those jobs best done with a friend.

I made a home made "powerbleeder" from a B&Q garden pressureable plant sprayer and a spare fluid reservoir cap. Fill with 2 litres of brake fluid and blast the air bubbles out. Follow the sequence in the manual. Best tip is to detatch and compress the top actuator valve on the left fork to simulate compressed forks. That's were the air tends to hide leaving soggy brakes. Use a beefy cable tie.

Good luck

As you are north Yorkshire, I am happy to assist in my garage one spare weekend if you wish

Grant
 
A

Alexhoc

Registered User
Thanks Grant, that's a generous offer! Where about are you? Yorkshire's a pretty big county!

I've changed the brake lines now, and bled the brakes, they are a lot better and no longer bind. They are not prefect though and still feel a bit spongy. I've gone through a fair bit of fluid and I can't see any bubbles, so I'm not sure where the air might be.

What's this top actuator valve you're talking about? I can only think of the secondary master cylinder on the left hand caliper?
 
5

57grant

Registered User
Hi 22 to 24 april I will be in Wales on the Ponderrosa run!

weekend after looks OK

grant
 
A

Alexhoc

Registered User
Ha, I meant 16/17, and I just realised I forgot to contact you about it! I'll be at the ponderosa too.
 
Toth

Toth

Registered User
Alexhoc said:
Thanks Grant, that's a generous offer! Where about are you? Yorkshire's a pretty big county!

I've changed the brake lines now, and bled the brakes, they are a lot better and no longer bind. They are not prefect though and still feel a bit spongy. I've gone through a fair bit of fluid and I can't see any bubbles, so I'm not sure where the air might be.

What's this top actuator valve you're talking about? I can only think of the secondary master cylinder on the left hand caliper?
Click to expand...

Zip tie round the grip and brake lever holding the pressure on then leave overnight usually helps get rid of spongyness (hang a weight on the brake pedal if its the rear one)
Toth
 
A

Alexhoc

Registered User
Toth said:
Zip tie round the grip and brake lever holding the pressure on then leave overnight usually helps get rid of spongyness (hang a weight on the brake pedal if its the rear one)
Toth
Click to expand...

Thanks Toth, that's not having much effect unfortunately...
 
5

57grant

Registered User
Re above suggestion

Enhance the bubble removing effect by taping a vibrator with new duracells to the flexible part brake lines. Works a treat usually!

Good luck

Grant
 
ianrobbo1

ianrobbo1

good looking AND modest
57grant said:
Re above suggestion

Enhance the bubble removing effect by taping a vibrator with new duracells to the flexible part brake lines. Works a treat usually!

Good luck

Grant
Click to expand...

Will it work with a mains powered vibrator Grant?? :dunno:


:whi5tl:
 
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