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98 Heritage, lost rear brakes while riding

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Old May 1, 2017 | 10:02 AM
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Default 98 Heritage, lost rear brakes while riding

Was heading home from an all day ride at the beach when all of a sudden my rear brake quit working. Lost pressure and pedal would go to floor, still grabbed a little but I mean maybe 10% of what it should grab. Luckily we were on a backroad going pretty slow when I found it out. Took caliper off yesterday and pads arent worn out. I know alot of guys rebuild master cylinders, would that likely be my issue? I dont notice any leaks in the brake line, master cylinder was about half full of fluid when i pulled the cap. Didnt have much time to mess with it but would anybody have an idea if master cylinder needs to be rebuilt or what might issue might be? Thanks in advance
 
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Old May 1, 2017 | 10:48 AM
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Has the fluid been flushed and bled in tbe last 19 years?
 
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Old May 1, 2017 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by hog-doc
Has the fluid been flushed and bled in tbe last 19 years?

I couldnt tell you, my dad passed in October of last year and now I have the bike. I think he had rear brakes done with the installation of the chrome swingarm but that has been a few years ago. My plan is to first flush old out and replace with new fluid to see if anything changes.
 
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Old May 1, 2017 | 11:13 AM
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Look for signs of a leak first.

Rebuild both master cylinders and both calipers and flush all lines thoroughly. It's an old bike and doing things now, at your leisure, is better than having to deal with problems on the side of the road.

My bike is older than yours, so I am not knocking it.

Join us in the Evo section.

Buy a factory service manual.
 
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Old May 1, 2017 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by deebopro
I couldnt tell you, my dad passed in October of last year and now I have the bike. I think he had rear brakes done with the installation of the chrome swingarm but that has been a few years ago. My plan is to first flush old out and replace with new fluid to see if anything changes.
Not knocking your dad in any way, but when guys say to do the brakes, all they ever authorise us to do is put pads on...its like pulling teeth trying to get people to service thier brake and fork fluids!

Flush and bleed, you may find thats all it needed!
 
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