front breaks....broke
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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front breaks....broke
was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.
While riding the other day I noticed that I was having to pull farther back on the front break lever than normal to stop almost like the break was slipping. But when I "pump" the front breaks they catch much further out on the pull and fell much tighter. At first this was not every time I pulled the break, but quickly became much more often.
I am in S. Florida for work and so I had to take the bike to a shop I am not familiar with. The service depatment was very acomodating and inspcted the bike, totaly dissasembled the breaks and everything. but they could find anything wrong at all. I explained that when the bike isnt rolling the break stays tight. They took it for a spin and said that everything was in spec. the bike was breaking much better but not perfect, I just assumed that the bike is breaking in and it is something to get used to.
Now this past weekend I went for a nice long ride and by days end the breaks are back to acting up and are even worse.
I do have what apears to be oil-break fluidin small drops on the tank and bag, but very small amount. And I cant find any indication what so ever of where the oil is comming from since there are no damp spots from the handle bars to the calipers.
The problem progressed today to the point that I have parked the bike and wont be riding it anymore untill I return home and get it in my local shop. Scared that some nut will cut me off I will end up as a new bumper on a bently or something. But I would love to have some Idea of whatmy shopshould be looking for.
any help would be great
Steve
While riding the other day I noticed that I was having to pull farther back on the front break lever than normal to stop almost like the break was slipping. But when I "pump" the front breaks they catch much further out on the pull and fell much tighter. At first this was not every time I pulled the break, but quickly became much more often.
I am in S. Florida for work and so I had to take the bike to a shop I am not familiar with. The service depatment was very acomodating and inspcted the bike, totaly dissasembled the breaks and everything. but they could find anything wrong at all. I explained that when the bike isnt rolling the break stays tight. They took it for a spin and said that everything was in spec. the bike was breaking much better but not perfect, I just assumed that the bike is breaking in and it is something to get used to.
Now this past weekend I went for a nice long ride and by days end the breaks are back to acting up and are even worse.
I do have what apears to be oil-break fluidin small drops on the tank and bag, but very small amount. And I cant find any indication what so ever of where the oil is comming from since there are no damp spots from the handle bars to the calipers.
The problem progressed today to the point that I have parked the bike and wont be riding it anymore untill I return home and get it in my local shop. Scared that some nut will cut me off I will end up as a new bumper on a bently or something. But I would love to have some Idea of whatmy shopshould be looking for.
any help would be great
Steve
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
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RE: front breaks....broke
thanks guys,
I did a good inspection of the break lines and I think I might have found the problem, but I just cant be sure. Might have to do some experimentation to verify
I did a good inspection of the break lines and I think I might have found the problem, but I just cant be sure. Might have to do some experimentation to verify
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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RE: front breaks....broke
was told by a felow rider here that It could be a warped rotor, but I dont have any idea how t check it. Visusaly I dont see any warping and the rotors apear equaly worn.
Whats "runout"?
still the original ft tire.
Whats "runout"?
still the original ft tire.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 863
Likes: 1
From: Dover, DE
RE: front breaks....broke
If you have brake fluid on the tank and bag you need to get it off NOW. That stuff does wonders to painted surfaces.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
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RE: front breaks....broke
got it of the paint asap. luckily I had just put a super thick coat of wax on, so shouldnt pose any probs. but thanks for the reminder.
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RE: front breaks....broke
Warped rotor would cause a pulsation in the brake and possibly a shimmy.
If bad enough will cause the brake lever to vibrate in your hand.
Brake as in this case is spelled BRAKE not BREAK (which is to break something like a vase or glass)
Now the symptoms.
It appears there may be a faulty seal in the master cylinder, letting the fluid flow backwards
against the spool valve.
The droplets on the tank and bag (what bag?.. front fork bag?)
OR There is a leak in a fitting or hose, letting air in the system.
I would look under the triple tree where the brakeline tee is.
Wipe the hoses dry and pumpthe brakes up and hold pressure on front lever.
If a fitting or line is leaking it will show up, may take a while.
If bad enough will cause the brake lever to vibrate in your hand.
Brake as in this case is spelled BRAKE not BREAK (which is to break something like a vase or glass)
Now the symptoms.
It appears there may be a faulty seal in the master cylinder, letting the fluid flow backwards
against the spool valve.
The droplets on the tank and bag (what bag?.. front fork bag?)
OR There is a leak in a fitting or hose, letting air in the system.
I would look under the triple tree where the brakeline tee is.
Wipe the hoses dry and pumpthe brakes up and hold pressure on front lever.
If a fitting or line is leaking it will show up, may take a while.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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RE: front breaks....broke
whoops, called out on the brake/break thing. never could speil.
the bag I was refering to, my right side saddle bag.
If my suspesions are correct, the oil is flying striat back from the brake "T" area to just inside the air intake and then either working is way up the tank or continuing backwards to the saddle bag.
I believe the problem is at the union of the metal and rubber line just below the "T" under the tripple tree. I plan on pumping up the brakes good tomarrow after training classes to verify.
the bag I was refering to, my right side saddle bag.
If my suspesions are correct, the oil is flying striat back from the brake "T" area to just inside the air intake and then either working is way up the tank or continuing backwards to the saddle bag.
I believe the problem is at the union of the metal and rubber line just below the "T" under the tripple tree. I plan on pumping up the brakes good tomarrow after training classes to verify.