Brake work
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: TEXAS
Brake work
I need to do some brake work to the 80 sportster. The back feels fine. i just need to bleed it real good. My question is about the front. It has dual disks and what im thinking is an aftermarket master cylinder. The brakes feel like they need bleed the majority of the time. If i am using constant pressure on the front brake it will sometimes fad to where i have to give it a little pump to build back up the pressure.
Should i just try to bleed it or does that sound like it might need some master cylinder work.
Should i just try to bleed it or does that sound like it might need some master cylinder work.
What i did with mine is completely clean out the whole front brake system. The worst part turned out to be the three way connector - it was clogged with crud and made bleeding very difficult.
So disconnect all the lines and spray brake parts cleaner thru them and thru the connector. Consider replacing the lines with new braided stainless steel, if they are the original rubber lines.
Post a pic of the master cylinder - i'll tell you if it is OEM or aftermarket. You may or may not need a rebuild kit for it. Kits are commonly available for the OEM one. They are a bit tedious to install so i would do a simple dismantle first, cleaning the visible parts, blowing brake cleaner and compressed air thru the small and tiny holes.
Likewise with the two calipers. If you have an air compressor you can pop out the pistons otherwise just do a simple dismantle and thoroughly clean up the parts.
Avoid getting brake cleaner on the rubber parts of the master cylinder and calipers.
Post pics of everything. If you want more info on completely dismantling the master cylinder and the calipers let me know.
So disconnect all the lines and spray brake parts cleaner thru them and thru the connector. Consider replacing the lines with new braided stainless steel, if they are the original rubber lines.
Post a pic of the master cylinder - i'll tell you if it is OEM or aftermarket. You may or may not need a rebuild kit for it. Kits are commonly available for the OEM one. They are a bit tedious to install so i would do a simple dismantle first, cleaning the visible parts, blowing brake cleaner and compressed air thru the small and tiny holes.
Likewise with the two calipers. If you have an air compressor you can pop out the pistons otherwise just do a simple dismantle and thoroughly clean up the parts.
Avoid getting brake cleaner on the rubber parts of the master cylinder and calipers.
Post pics of everything. If you want more info on completely dismantling the master cylinder and the calipers let me know.
Last edited by IronMick; Jan 20, 2015 at 12:21 PM.
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 29
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From: North Florida
If you are running original lines, they may be swelling up with each squeeze of the lever. It won't be enough that you can see it, but it is enough to reduce brake efficiency. Replacing the lines with stainless woven lines--or even new rubber lines--will make a noticeable difference.
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