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would be odd that it happened to both at the same time , but wondering if the master cylenders could be going out? if brake fluid types were mixed ( maybe from a previos repair, the wrong fluid was used)
Your first post indicated you had to pump the brakes for them to be firm, that would be air in the lines. Maybe the bleeder screws are allowing air back in. I put Teflon tape on mine, but I had the entire caliper off for a rebuild at the time. Otherwise, as Tim found, the pistons just aren't moving enough. The pistons in my rear caliper were so dirty they were jammed at an angle. Had to used pliers to remove them. Hence, new rebuild kit with pistons and seals. Been meaning to rebuild the fronts too, but I think they'll just need seals and a good flush.
NEVER put Teflon tape on bleeder fitting threads. There is a high risk of cracking the caliper housing as there is no room for a sealant on the threads. The nipples by the way to not seal at the threads. At the bottom of the nipple is a machined surface. It is what seats at the bottom of the bore and makes a seal. It is the same principle as AN fittings. It is a metal to metal seal. When the bleeder fitting is loosened, the fluid then comes up and enters the nipple through a hole on the side above the sealing surface. If you have a Bleeder fitting that weeps fluid, then it is because the seat inside is either dirty, corroded, or has been damaged from over tightening the fitting in the caliper.
The OP sounds as if two things are happening. 1) there is still air in the system, and 2) pistons are not moving freely.
Remove calipers, and clean around pistons with brake clean and an old tooth brush.
NEVER put Teflon tape on bleeder fitting threads. There is a high risk of cracking the caliper housing as there is no room for a sealant on the threads. The nipples by the way to not seal at the threads. At the bottom of the nipple is a machined surface. It is what seats at the bottom of the bore and makes a seal. It is the same principle as AN fittings. It is a metal to metal seal. When the bleeder fitting is loosened, the fluid then comes up and enters the nipple through a hole on the side above the sealing surface. If you have a Bleeder fitting that weeps fluid, then it is because the seat inside is either dirty, corroded, or has been damaged from over tightening the fitting in the caliper.
The OP sounds as if two things are happening. 1) there is still air in the system, and 2) pistons are not moving freely.
Remove calipers, and clean around pistons with brake clean and an old tooth brush.
Good to know. I have never done it but read about people doing it here and thought of doing it.
A shoestring with brake kleen may work also with no tear down involved just zip tie the front or rear lever down before cleaning to clean pistons (Keep spray away from painted surfaces)
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