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So I got my first Harley this week. It's a 99 flht with dual front disc brakes. The guy who had it before me put an aftermarket front wheel on it. He took the right side front rotor off but left both the calipers and brake lines on. I have no pressure at all in the brake handle. My question is if I put another rotor on the right side will I get my brake pressure back? If not how do I fix this?
My first Harley! 99 FLHT
No way to give you a difinitive answer, too many questions/variables.
The off caliper, does it still have shoes? Is there something between them? How far out are the pistons extended? Does the master even have fluid in it? Any signs of fluid leakage anywhere? How does the lever react, any pressure at all or does it just flop back and forth?
Once you figure out why you're not getting pressure you need to fix that jerryrigged caliper set up!
Seems like you have two choices.
Restore the 2 caliper system.
or
Switch to a single brake line instead of the one that splits into 2.
Yes the caliper has pads just no rotor. Nothing in between them. When I pull the brake lever, there is no pressure but the brake pads barely move on both sides. It's got fluid in the master cylinder. I've even tried bleeding the breaks thinking maybe there is air in the lines. No more break pressure than before. There is no signs of it leaking anywhere.
That doesn't sound good......get a rotor on there before you ride it, remove both sides pads and at least check them (I'd probably replace, they're pretty cheap) and change the brake fluid and bleed both sides. I betcha that fixes you up. If you don't have a manual for the bike, get one. It's the best $65 you'll EVER spend.
A little hard to see, but that wheel doesn't look like it has any provisions for a Right-side Rotor...that means a different wheel will be needed. How wide is that tire...looks a little skinny
Plug the unused brake line where it comes out of the distribution box near the fork tree. Then refill the front brake master cylinder and bleed out the air in the leftover lines, making sure to keep the master full. It should build up pressure after a few ounces. If not, you have other problems (leaks) in the system.
Here's some general advice...fix it before people think you were the idiot
This is definitely the funniest post I read today.
Originally Posted by multihdrdr
A little hard to see, but that wheel doesn't look like it has any provisions for a Right-side Rotor...that means a different wheel will be needed. How wide is that tire...looks a little skinny
The bike was designed for dual front brakes. Having only 1 rotor or converting/keeping your bike to a single caliper will provide suboptimal braking. Remember, front brakes provide most of the braking. Do it right. You will likely need a new wheel.
Originally Posted by motoXjoe
Plug the unused brake line where it comes out of the distribution box near the fork tree. Then refill the front brake master cylinder and bleed out the air in the leftover lines, making sure to keep the master full. It should build up pressure after a few ounces. If not, you have other problems (leaks) in the system.
I'm not sure this is really needed given the OP has other problems with his front brakes. He should get a new wheel and a second rotor on that bike. In addition, he should have the master cylinder rebuilt or replaced, the fluid changed and the lines bled.
Besides, the master cylinder is designed for dual front brakes. I believe the master cylinder bore is 5/8" for dual fronts and 9/16" for a single caliper system. With nothing for the caliper pistons to press against on the right side I wouldn't think there is fluid pressure created on that side.
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Front brake help
