Front brake failure
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Indianapolis
Front brake failure
I'm asking if this happened to anyone else.
While sitting at a stop, all the sudden my front hand brake lever goes all the way to the handlegrip, I pump it a couple of times I have a good strong brake.
I do have a new wheel and rotors!
I don't know what's wrong, this morning I'm going to re-bled my brakes, and play it out.
I sure hope the master cylinder is not defective?
While sitting at a stop, all the sudden my front hand brake lever goes all the way to the handlegrip, I pump it a couple of times I have a good strong brake.
I do have a new wheel and rotors!
I don't know what's wrong, this morning I'm going to re-bled my brakes, and play it out.
I sure hope the master cylinder is not defective?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
That pumping you did may have just gotten rid of the last little bubble hiding in your master cylinder. I would keep an eye on it but wouldn't go to the trouble of re-bleeding anything unless it happens again.
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From: Indianapolis
This has happened 3 times.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Missousri
Ok this maybe a quick fix for you or not. I had the same problem. Full of fluid, pads basically new and my lever would pull all the way to the grip. I could pump it up only for it to go soft a few sec. later. Here is what I did to fix. All you need some brake cleaner. Break the 2 bolts holding your caliper on the rotor and remove. It's tricky but you will NOT need to disconnect the line. After removal pump that lever several times to close the pads onto each other. May want to cover your fender and shocks etc. with towel. Spray those suckers out liberally. Your looking for a shine on those pistons that operate the pads. Once cleaned you need to carefully pry the pads apart with a flat head and back those pads all the way in and re-install. Repeat for the other side. This actually firmed my lever up like it was new. For some reason the pad dirt or dust affects the return pressure on those pistons which in turn makes for an extremely soft lever. Hope this cures the problem. It's really easy and quick to try.
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From: Lakeland, FL
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
Yeah, if it' happened 3 times you may be right.
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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I would put a piece of wood about 1/4" thick between the pads. The last thing you want to do is to over extend the pistons beyond the seal. Then you have a real mess. Do the easy stuff first. Clean the pistons with brake spray cleaner available at any auto parts store, bleed the brakes good, and see if the problem re-occurs. Then if it does, move on to the master cylinder. No use tearing into the MC if you cannot prove it's contributing to the problem.
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