Need Brake Help

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Feb 19, 2010 | 09:33 AM

punkachu

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Need Brake Help

hey guys,

so i have a 82 sportster im trying to get on the road, didnt have any forward controls when i got it, after getting all the parts i cant get the brakes to work.

i got a used master cylindar, then used a rebuild kit on it. seems to be working so i dont think thats the problem, but the brake lever wont tighten no matter how much i bleed it, its getting fuel to the jets.

any ideas?

Last edited by punkachu; Feb 19, 2010 at 09:55 AM.

Feb 19, 2010 | 09:40 AM

longblack1

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

First thing I would check is the travel of the brake pedal then. Make sure you have the correct length rod. The rear pedal does not move that much. Then check the caliper,make sure no leaks there. Hate to tell you to re bleed the system,but in the end you may have to do that as well. Are you using a vacuum bleeder? You can pick one up for under $20.00 at Harbor Freight,will remove all the air from the system and makes bleeding the lines really easy.

Feb 19, 2010 | 09:51 AM

punkachu

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

oh sorry, i should have said im working on the front breaks.

Feb 19, 2010 | 10:53 AM

Gpsjr10

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 2,541

Likes: 11

From: Elyria, OH

you may need to pump the brake handle several times to get the caliper moved to postion to put pressure on the brake rotor, just make sure you have enough fluid in your resivor.

Feb 19, 2010 | 11:03 AM

FLYING

Club Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 802

Likes: 3

From: Wisconsin

Some of them can be tough to bleed.When I have a tough one I first start by bleeding just the master cylinder and working my way down to the front caliper.
Do not give up they can be stubborn !

Feb 19, 2010 | 11:29 AM

dirty keith

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 48

Likes: 0

From: Greensburg Pa.

If you put a new line on (I guess you did) you will have to blead the breaks for a long time untill you get the air out of them. I would start at the master cylendar squeeze the brake lever crack the line loose to let the air out re tighten the line then let go of the lever. You may be able to gravity bleed if your lucky. Do this by filling the master cylendar, opening the bleeder and drinking beer until the fluid makes its way to the caliper. No matter what you do it will be somewhat time consuming.