Front brake problems
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Front brake problems
I need some advice I bought a 2001 Electra Glide and the front brake is pretty spongy. I brought it home and bled them by cracking the bleeder and also tried a mighty vac bleeder gun. After all of this the brake lever is still spongy although it's a little better but not much. No air comes out when I crack the bleeder anymore only fluid. I don't know if there is something I'm missing since it's a dual disc front brake. Any advice would be appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
How old are the brake lines ? Could be expanding if they are to old .
Remove your calipers and check the cylinders for road grime and dirt/brake dust . Cylinders could be sticking causing uneven braking , spongy feeling . Clean them well with some brake cleaner and a shoe lace or small brush . I remove my brake pads and use a small piece of wood cut to fit ( make sure the piece is about the same thickness of the pads and disc ) in the caliper and then expand them . Makes them much easier to clean and less chance of them popping out of their seal .
Also clean the back of the brake pads and the locking pin , lightly coat them with anti seize to prevent squeaking .
Hope this helps !!
Remove your calipers and check the cylinders for road grime and dirt/brake dust . Cylinders could be sticking causing uneven braking , spongy feeling . Clean them well with some brake cleaner and a shoe lace or small brush . I remove my brake pads and use a small piece of wood cut to fit ( make sure the piece is about the same thickness of the pads and disc ) in the caliper and then expand them . Makes them much easier to clean and less chance of them popping out of their seal .
Also clean the back of the brake pads and the locking pin , lightly coat them with anti seize to prevent squeaking .
Hope this helps !!
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Thank you I'm not sure how old the brake lines are if I had to guess they are original. I'll have to remove the calipers and clean them. Looks like the pads don't have too much life left so I'll just change them out when I get them off.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I do not mess around with brakes...an **** holdover from my aviation days. This is a replace first and not guess or assume system for me.
I also had soft front brakes on my 2003 Ultra when I started the restore project last summer and I rebuilt the entire system using a new master kit, caliper kits, and pads, new banjo washers, and a complete fluid flush. I also found that the front right disk was slightly warped (probably when some newbie changed the tire) and I replaced both disks with a pair of like-new take-offs I lucked into for $40, and used new bolts. I took my time and used all MoCo parts. I think it all totaled around $250, done and gone. I have good solid brakes now and I know the job was done right using quality parts...if there is a problem, there is only one a-hole mechanic to blame...
I also had soft front brakes on my 2003 Ultra when I started the restore project last summer and I rebuilt the entire system using a new master kit, caliper kits, and pads, new banjo washers, and a complete fluid flush. I also found that the front right disk was slightly warped (probably when some newbie changed the tire) and I replaced both disks with a pair of like-new take-offs I lucked into for $40, and used new bolts. I took my time and used all MoCo parts. I think it all totaled around $250, done and gone. I have good solid brakes now and I know the job was done right using quality parts...if there is a problem, there is only one a-hole mechanic to blame...
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
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 671
Likes: 168
From: Ontario, Canada
Clean your caliper pistons. Use brake clean and a shoelace or piece of string and carefully work the pistons in and out. I do mine once a year.
There are some good videos online and lots of threads on here describing the process.
There are some good videos online and lots of threads on here describing the process.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aussiecraig
Softail Models
3
Jul 14, 2009 12:40 PM
