Braking Issue
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: US
Braking Issue
I was having a braking problem with an '80s Harley in the rear. At first, the brake would have no braking power, then lock up if you pushed it harder.
I got a new rotor and pads hoping it would fix the issue. It did created the opposite issue. Now, there is barely any braking power no matter how hard you stand on the peddle. It slows the bike down slowly, but you can't lock up the rear brake no matter how hard you stand on the peddle. Tried another (used) master cylinder, as well as a caliper rebuild, and bled the breaks countless times. Nothing fixed it.
Any suggestions?
I got a new rotor and pads hoping it would fix the issue. It did created the opposite issue. Now, there is barely any braking power no matter how hard you stand on the peddle. It slows the bike down slowly, but you can't lock up the rear brake no matter how hard you stand on the peddle. Tried another (used) master cylinder, as well as a caliper rebuild, and bled the breaks countless times. Nothing fixed it.
Any suggestions?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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Likes: 840
From: In front of the computer for now.
Start with the basics first. When you apply the foot brake, do the pistons move easily? Are they easy to push back into the caliper? Inspect the pads and rotor for glazing and make sure the pads have enough material on them. How does the brake pedal feel? Solid, mushy, hard to depress? Any brake fluid leaking any where?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Also,replace the rubber line if there is one. They can collapse on the inside and look perfectly good on the outside-could cause just what you're describing.Flush and refill with which ever fluid the manual calls for. If you mixed two different types of fluid,they could gum up and cause problems also.
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: US
With how many times I tried bleeding the brakes I think all the old fluid is definitely flushed out.
The master cylinder worked fine with the caliper before the bike went into storage.
There are no rubber lines, all braided stainless.
No leaking fluid.
The pedal seems kind of stiff, but I don't really know how stiff is too stiff.
I guess I will take the caliper off and see what the pistons do when I press the pedal.
The master cylinder worked fine with the caliper before the bike went into storage.
There are no rubber lines, all braided stainless.
No leaking fluid.
The pedal seems kind of stiff, but I don't really know how stiff is too stiff.
I guess I will take the caliper off and see what the pistons do when I press the pedal.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Yeah,I've never seen a steel line with stainless braiding. OP,if they're flexible,there's a rubber line inside.
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I would suggest complete disassembly and a lot of brake cleaner spray.. Make sure the pads are not glazed and that the line has not deteriorated ..
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