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-   -   Spongy front brakes (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sportster-models/1270605-spongy-front-brakes.html)

IrishHick1776 02-09-2019 04:58 PM

Spongy front brakes
 
So after replacing my forktubes, my front brakes are super spongy. The reservoir is full, my brake pads have life on them, but there’s only enough brakes to slow the bike to a stop. Has anyone has this issue or have an idea of what I need to do to correct this?

Kingglide549 02-09-2019 05:00 PM

bleed them as you have added air somehow.

kernow 02-09-2019 05:29 PM

A quick fix that maybe worth trying before you bleed the brakes.......
Have some masking tape, electrical tape, zip tie or whatever ready grab the brake lever and pump it fairly rapidly a few times and hold it in, tape or zip tie the lever in this position without releasing it and leave well alone over night or for a decent length of time. Once you cut the tape or zip tie you will probably have your brakes back, well hopefully...:icon_toast:
I've done this quick fix several times over the years, works for me, basically if you have some pressure in the system by harnessing that pressure will slowly expel any air up through the system to the highest level...ie the master cylinder.

Puffy 02-09-2019 06:15 PM

Sweet tip kernow!

I'll keep that in mind when I change my front brake line in a couple weeks

IrishHick1776 02-09-2019 06:27 PM

I’ll give the zip tie a shot! I did my brakes about 2 months ago and haven’t opened the system since. Really don’t want to bleed the system, but if I have to that’ll be a project for Sunday. Thanks for the help.

Kingglide549 02-09-2019 06:48 PM

Bleeding the system gets the air and water out.
If you avoid that you might end up with some rusted sticky parts.

IrishHick1776 02-09-2019 08:36 PM


Originally Posted by Kingglide549 (Post 18024306)
Bleeding the system gets the air and water out.
If you avoid that you might end up with some rusted sticky parts.

I was talking to my old man about the zip tie trick and he thinks that if that’s working I might need to rebuild the caliper. I’ll be bleeding the system regardless

Kingglide549 02-09-2019 08:52 PM

If there is no computer involved - POC

Andy from Sandy 02-10-2019 05:05 AM

If your bike has ABS then get all the knowledge before starting.

For me a spongy brake usually signals that you are compressing air in the system.

hscic 02-10-2019 09:09 AM

If the quick trick doesn't work, try cleaning the pistons assuming you bled the brake properly and there are no leaks in the brake system.. Here is a video


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