Front brake doesn't work please help
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: California
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.
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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
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.
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.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 15
From: Peach Bottom, PA
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.
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.
Last edited by sagebrush1976; Mar 31, 2012 at 10:29 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 325
Likes: 1
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
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!
Cheers!
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: California
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.
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.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 15
From: Peach Bottom, PA
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.
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 325
Likes: 1
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
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!
Cheers!
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: California
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
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.
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.