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I've also posted this in the tech section.
I also posted this question in the tech forums. Time to service the brakes on my 88 FLHS, twin PM differential bore calipers and J Brake master cylinder. Ordered all the seals and a rebuild kit for the master cylinder and I've read that some guys replace the rubber brake lines when doing this service. I'd rather not have to replace the ss braided brake lines so I'm looking for a good method to flush and clean them. Any good ideas? thanks, Mike
just doing the front? unbolt brake line at master cylinder and at caliper, use brake cleaner spray in the top of the line by master cylinder and let run out the bottom by the caliper into a container
just doing the front? unbolt brake line at master cylinder and at caliper, use brake cleaner spray in the top of the line by master cylinder and let run out the bottom by the caliper into a container
Yes just the front at this time. That method sounds simple and effective. I like simple, thanks.
Great tips guys, thanks much! I definitely want to treat it as if it were contaminated and get a thorough clean out. Brakes have been giving me some trouble and I'm pretty sure I've got a sticky piston in there somewhere.
Great tips guys, thanks much! I definitely want to treat it as if it were contaminated and get a thorough clean out. Brakes have been giving me some trouble and I'm pretty sure I've got a sticky piston in there somewhere.
I've had Harrison Billet-6 calipers and 13" rotors for several years, but eventually have given up on them. When freshly serviced and 'just so' they were remarkable, but the darned things would steadily deteriorate over time as a piston here and another there got stuck. It wasn't helped by having 6 pads per caliper, a dozen in all. Some of them would hang back and not wear much, while others would wear down almost to the backing plate. By contrast I've had two Buell Firebolts, each with a 6 piston caliper, and had no problems over the last 15 years or so. Touch wood....
I've had Harrison Billet-6 calipers and 13" rotors for several years, but eventually have given up on them. When freshly serviced and 'just so' they were remarkable, but the darned things would steadily deteriorate over time as a piston here and another there got stuck. It wasn't helped by having 6 pads per caliper, a dozen in all. Some of them would hang back and not wear much, while others would wear down almost to the backing plate. By contrast I've had two Buell Firebolts, each with a 6 piston caliper, and had no problems over the last 15 years or so. Touch wood....
I've had the PM calipers on the bike since I built it back in the mid 90's, originally with the PM rotors in the pic. Warped the cast iron PM rotors, went with a inexpensive brand and they sucked, eventually went with EBC floaters which are currently on the bike. The calipers have never given me any real issues and use a single pad per side. I rebuilt them about 5 years ago for the 60,000 mile service. It's the master cylinder that's currently giving me issues, A J Brake 3/4 inch of the same vintage as the calipers. Can't get a rebuild kit from them as they are out of business. About 3 months ago the master cylinder stuck and locked up the front brakes, but I was able to pull off the road before anything dangerous happened. I found what was deemed a " replacement " for that size master on ebay, but it wasn't exactly the same. Piston was a bit different but did fit. This is the culprit.
I removed, cleaned and rebuilt everything. All was working well until middle of last week when it started to build up pressure again. This time after searching high and low I actually found a correct reproduction kit with piston for the master cylinder. I plan on stripping everything down to completely clean and install new seals in the calipers and rebuild the master again. BTW, I've also owned a Thunderbolt, really fun bike and that gigantic rim mounted rotor really stopped for a streetbike. We ( guys at the Harley shop ) found with the right combination of bolt in parts we could get 90HP at the rear wheel. quite fun. Best handling " Harley " I've ever owned.
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Brake service
