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-   -   Front brake doesn't work please help (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/750372-front-brake-doesnt-work-please-help.html)

eric2011Deluxe Mar 31, 2012 10:01 AM

Front brake doesn't work please help
 
Replaced front brake cable and cilyndet and now the brakes don't work at all. If I open up the bleeder screw a litle fluid comes out but I pump the brake lever while open no fluid comes out. Is the fluid not making to the caliper?

I didn't use the HD DOT 4, could that be the problem? I did use a defferent brand DOT 4 fluid that i had. Whats the procedure when replacing both cilynder and cable.

Taddeoeg Mar 31, 2012 10:19 AM

Not sure what you mean by front brake cable? The brake lever activated the piston in the master cylinder which pumps brake fluid through the brake line (hose - part metal, part rubber) to the piston in the caliper. Provided you used DOT 4 that isn't your issue.

I'd be willing to bet you still have a bunch of air in the system. Bleed, bleed, bleed, bleed and then when you think you might have it bleed some more. Since you say the brake doesn't work at all there must be a good size bubble(s) of air in the lines.

Remember, if you let the brake fluid in the master cylinder drop too low while you're bleeding you'll actually pump more air back into the system.

sagebrush1976 Mar 31, 2012 10:27 AM

Sounds like you're not getting them bled well enough. I just replaced my front brake line and it took about 15 minutes of pumping/bleeding to get the firm brake pressure that I wanted. DO NOT pump the brakes while the bleeder is open. You are pulling air back in to the system everytime you do it. A lot of people swear by the little mini vacuum pumps to bleed the brakes but I've never tried one.

And yeah.....DOT 4 fluid is all the same. It doesn't matter whos name is on the container. It's all manufactured to the same standards.

chiefe Mar 31, 2012 10:48 AM

With bleeder screw closed pump brake lever until firm. Continue to hold lever(easier with a second set of hands) and crack bleeder allowing air to release from system them tighten bleeder. Brake lever will compress to bars. Repeat process until all air is released from system. Important note, always top up fluid reservoir and don't let it run dry.
Cheers!

eric2011Deluxe Mar 31, 2012 11:12 AM

Soundd like I screwwed up by pumping the lever when I had the bleeder screw opened and allowing more air into the system. I will bleed and bleed untull simething happens :-)

Question: does brake fluid go baf after a while of storing? (1 year ago last time it was used)

Thank you all hope this is it.

sagebrush1976 Mar 31, 2012 11:21 AM


Originally Posted by eric2011Deluxe (Post 9600768)
Soundd like I screwwed up by pumping the lever when I had the bleeder screw opened and allowing more air into the system. I will bleed and bleed untull simething happens :-)

Question: does brake fluid go baf after a while of storing? (1 year ago last time it was used)

Thank you all hope this is it.

Didn't "screw anything up" by pumping with bleeder open...just made a little extra work for yourself that's all. We've all done something like that then looked back and wondered wtf were we thinking. Live and learn!

As far as the fluid going bad. I don't think its an issue. As long as the container stayed sealed and no contaminants got it....water, dirt or debris....it will be fine.

chiefe Mar 31, 2012 12:16 PM


Didn't "screw anything up" by pumping with bleeder open...just made a little extra work for yourself that's all. We've all done something like that then looked back and wondered wtf were we thinking. Live and learn!
You'll be fine, it's a simple process. Once you have done it a couple times, you will be a pro. Also a little tip, get a piece of tubing that slips over the bleeder and place the other end in a catch can. That way you won't be pissing brake fluid all over your ride.
Cheers!

eric2011Deluxe Mar 31, 2012 12:26 PM

Do I screw the reservoir top on when I bleed it or keep it off?

Tee&Vee Mar 31, 2012 01:10 PM

Maybe you did not line up the banjo bolts properly when you reassembled them. Remember that they have holes in them to pass the fluid from reservoir to the disc setup.

I have personally done this and had to use a Sharpie to make sure flow was restored and the stoppers operated so I didn't meet the person in front of me.

eric2011Deluxe Mar 31, 2012 02:08 PM

Where is the hole suppose to be? 90%?


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