rear brake pedal
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Joined: Nov 2010
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rear brake pedal
I understand that the rear brake play cannot be adjusted.....I just had some new rear pads installed at the end of the summer....problem is, there is still a lot of play with the brake pedal...I am 6'3", so fortunately my leg is long enough to push the pedal forward enough to brake effectively....my question is, is this normal for a Harley? Is there anything I can do to "shore" up the pedal to where there is not as much play? Am I going to have to replace parts?
Wayne
Wayne
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
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Well, the rear brake is probably going to feel like there is more 'play' in it because the front brake has a greater percentage of stopping the bike. I mean, you can adjust it, the just follow the brake rod to the piston where it screws in at. You could tighten it, but I wouldn't. You should use both front and rear brakes together in stopping, and plus if you adjust it, you're more likely to run the risk of locking the rear brakes up, and you want to avoid that. So, if you're just using the rear brake to stop, stop and use both brakes.
But there is very little play in my Low Rider, but like I said the front has the most to do with stopping the bike.
But there is very little play in my Low Rider, but like I said the front has the most to do with stopping the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
Likes: 14
From: Central Ohio
I understand that the rear brake play cannot be adjusted.....I just had some new rear pads installed at the end of the summer....problem is, there is still a lot of play with the brake pedal...I am 6'3", so fortunately my leg is long enough to push the pedal forward enough to brake effectively....my question is, is this normal for a Harley? Is there anything I can do to "shore" up the pedal to where there is not as much play? Am I going to have to replace parts?
Wayne
Wayne
Who changed the pads?
Was the brake line dis-connected?
Maybe try bleeding the line any ways... see what happens.
How many miles are on the bike... maybe flush the old fluid out with new?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Millsboro Delaware
My 08 SB had plenty of play in the rear and I felt like they were pretty much useless. I adjusted the brakd rod so that they engaged sooner and it did help, but it never instilled great confidence. On my 07 Low Rider it is day to night difference. The rear brakes are phenominal. Not sure why as they are the same system but they just work so much better. I know that you should apply both brakes, front and rear when stopping, but when going around turns and tight curves you should only use your rear brakes and when they don't grip well or they require alot of pedal pressure it doesn't instill any confidence and it can be really dangerous.... Not sure if the problem is the master cylinder, linkage or the pads/rotors or even the caliper itself. I would adjust the linkage first, bleed the master cylinder second as these are free andeasy to do. If this does not correct the problem check to see if the caliper is operating correctly. If all checks out then it has to be either the pads or rotor. If the pads were just changed as you have stated in the original post and they are a good quality pad check the rotor as it could be warped which would not allow the pads to contact the surface of the rotor evenly forcing you to really lean on the pedal to get the brakes to work. Good luck and let us know how you made out with the bike.....
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