Hi, replaced a dodgy speedo sensor cable today. In doing so cracked open the brake fluid banjo connection on the rhs caliper just for a second releasing pressure from the system. Then proceeded to pump the front brake lever while the lhs caliper was detached. Anyway managed to get the job done and all put together well. Now when I operate the front brake there is literally no travel and the brakes are very effective. I suspect I have just bled the system a little however I would appreciate any info regarding stuff to check or watch out for. The lack of travel in the brake lever feels weird but the brakes work very well although my hand is at full stretch.
Is the front wheel rotating freely when the brakes aren't applied? It should spin a turn or so and then stop, there shouldn't be a lot of drag from the brakes. Did you add any brake fluid to the reservoir? There's a chance it might be over filled. Can you rotate the adjuster on the lever to bring the lever back closer to the bar?
Hi thanks for the tips. The front wheel can be turned easy enough but does not spin freely. I think it was like that before. Regarding the break lever it does look adjustable so I will have a play with it this week. Don't want to mess with it tonight. Am too much looking forward to getting out with a working speedo tomorrow ? ?
I would guess some of calipers are seized with only one or two moving and hardly retracting, hence the lack of movement in the lever. Maybe you've just managed to bleed the system, but I'd be tempted to get a can of brake cleaner, pop out the pads and give the calipers the toothbrush treatment get then moving and exercised. It's easy enough to do and something I've started doing annually.
(21-03-16, 11:43 PM)shieldr link Wrote: Brakes working well, all calipers moving freely and lever adjusted. Toothbrushing calipers add to annual planned maintenance?
Buy a small pot of Red Rubber Grease to smear over the exposed parts of the outer pistons to stop them from rusting and causing further issues.
And i would seriously advise you to only use spray brake cleaner to clean the calipers/pistons with, don't use just any old degreaser as they're not all fit for the job and some can leave a powdery residue which can cause even more trouble.
Both can be picked up quickly from a car parts shop or Halfords.
Other neglected parts which can be really improved are the front brake lever which can be easily removed by taking the screw out and cleaned up and lithium greased.
Also, the pivot joints of both the rear brake and gear foot levers can be cleaned out by simply using either brake cleaner or even WD40. You can oil them afterwards as well if you want but just cleaning them works wonders.
These areas get clogged up really easy due to dusty/crappy rain drying out in the joints, and you'll notice a huge difference in performance once cleaned.
I normally give them a quick spray about once a month to keep them crud free and moving okay.
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