rear brake doesn't work
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: NJ
rear brake doesn't work
so i went for a ride today and when i applied my rear brake, it felt weak. I took the bike up to about 40mph, pulled the clutch in and pushed down on the foot brake until the pedal bottomed out. the bike barely gripped the brakes. how do i find out what's causing this/ what do i check for?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
First thing to do is check the brake fluid level. Next check for external leakage. If both of those are ok then bleed the brake. If none of that works then you probably have an internal leak in the master cylinder.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 503
Likes: 47
From: nj
Did you notice any leaks or any wet spots on the bike?
Also, where in NJ?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I live in Union County, NJ.
any ideas?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 503
Likes: 47
From: nj
I did not pump the rear brake to attempt to build pressure. I can try that tomorrow when I take it out. I checked the fluid level in the rear master cylinder, and it appears to be a little bit low, not empty but a little low. I will bleed the brakes this winter if not sooner.
I live in Union County, NJ.
any ideas?
I live in Union County, NJ.
any ideas?
When was the last time you rode prior to feeling the brake was weak?
I would fill up the rear brake reservoir and bleed the brakes. possible air in the system?
Last edited by Johnny Goodlife; Nov 18, 2013 at 07:37 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: NJ
alright, ill pick up some DOT 5 brakle fluid on Wednesday. Wed and Thurs are my days off from work so I can get it done then. I just took the bike out on Saturday but I hardly use the rear brake so I didn't notice it then.
And Bergen county is not far from me at all. It's good to know someone is near
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 503
Likes: 47
From: nj
alright, ill pick up some DOT 5 brakle fluid on Wednesday. Wed and Thurs are my days off from work so I can get it done then. I just took the bike out on Saturday but I hardly use the rear brake so I didn't notice it then.
And Bergen county is not far from me at all. It's good to know someone is near
And Bergen county is not far from me at all. It's good to know someone is near
Read this
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/wheel...9-softail.html
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Wait you said your gonna pick up some DOT 5! Was your system converted to DOT 5? You can't mix the fluid with DOT 3 or DOT 4. It will cause problems. If your pedal went to the floor you probably got air in the system. Our you got a hole in the line or the caliber you would see fluid if that was the case.