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Front Brake not working

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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:12 PM
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Default Front Brake not working

My front brake was working fine. I do not ride much, like once or twice a week. Last ride I went on my front brake handle pulled all the way in, but no braking action from my front wheel. I am looking for advice on what to look for or try.
My bike is a 1991 FXR Convertible.
 

Last edited by Johnniev; May 21, 2017 at 08:25 PM.
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:20 PM
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Welcome to the Forum from Colorado!
(1) Buy a HD shop manual.
(B)Take the cap off the master cylinder and see if there is any brake fluid in it.
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:24 PM
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There is brake fluid in the master cylinder. And I tried to bleed the lines, but all I got was brake fluid....so thinking air in the lines is not the problem.
Any other suggestions?
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:28 PM
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How old/worn are the brake pads?
When was the last time the caliper or master cylinder were rebuilt?
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:30 PM
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I'm thinking frozen caliper.
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:37 PM
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Rebuild kit. Cheap and easy.
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 08:40 PM
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Pull the caliper, remove pads. Presence of any grime is sure giveaway a rebuild the cure
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 09:13 PM
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If the lever came to the grip without building pressure, the caliper is not frozen, you need to be looking into the master cylinder. Most likely the rubber parts inside the cylinder bore are worn out and not allowing the system to work properly...Pull the master apart and rebuild it of the bore is in good shape, if it is not, buy a new one.
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by dfwhockey17
If the lever came to the grip without building pressure, the caliper is not frozen, you need to be looking into the master cylinder. Most likely the rubber parts inside the cylinder bore are worn out and not allowing the system to work properly...Pull the master apart and rebuild it of the bore is in good shape, if it is not, buy a new one.
Check for fluid residue on the inside of the caliper/behind the pads. If it's clean - 'df' is on the mark.
 
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Old May 21, 2017 | 09:43 PM
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there's a video on how to rebuilt the caliper on Youtube. I rebuilt a 4 piston an it was easy. Any chance the brake line is getting weak an expanding?
 
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