Squishy front brake

[marcusknight]

On my 84, the front brake had required a lot of squeezing to really have any effect. I had the front brake bled, and it was better for a while. But now a month later it is as squishy as ever. I have been advised to now have the front brake cylinder rebuilt. Thoughts?

(The only other thing I did was when I adjusted or raised the handlebars a couple weeks ago, I also loosened the lower bolt on the clamp that holds the brake housing to the handle bar and rotated it up about half an inch, then I tightened it back up. There was plenty of slack in the brake line and dont see how that could have caused this squishy problem.)

 

[zman]

Maybe needs rebuilt, some of these old M/C`s have been on and used so long the aluminum bores have defects, seen tiny pieces of the metal flake off and cause pressure reduction.
You can try tying a band around the lever and letting it sit with the brake on overnight, sometimes this will force any air to the reservoir.

 

[Dadster]

Could still be air still in the line somewhere. Also you might want to check the master cylinder. I replaced the front on my 84 interstate last month.

 

[Steve83]

It could also be a bad rubber brake hose.

 

[marcusknight]

I must say the front brake does work well when I squeeze the handle hard enough, but I have to squeeze it almost all the way before it starts to take effect. Is there some sort of adjustment on the brake handle I am overlooking, or is it really just a result of either air in the system or worn brake pads?

 

[Dadster]

Sounds like air in the system.

 

[slabghost]

That much travel pretty much says you have air in the system. My brake on the 84 standard is engaged pretty good after 1/2" of travel.

 

[dan filipi]

Usually air but could also be an expanding rubber brake line.
This is one reason guys change them to new stainless steel.
New stock rubber would be fine too but I wouldn't put on 30 year old new stock.

 

[bronko37]

Contrary to popular belief the old "rubber" lines are not just rubber. They actually do have a steel braided core in them, cut one open you will see.

If the brakes are giving you trouble just do yourself a favor and redo the system. Master cylinder & caliper rebuild along with a fresh new line. Bleed it all out and you will be good. Remember though, its a fairing off job to do the brake lines. Stopping is just as important, if not more, than going.

 

[dan filipi]

bronko37 » 11 minutes ago[/url]":ex7psisw]
Contrary to popular belief the old "rubber" lines are not just rubber. They actually do have a steel braided core in them, cut one open you will see.

If the brakes are giving you trouble just do yourself a favor and redo the system. Master cylinder & caliper rebuild along with a fresh new line. Bleed it all out and you will be good. Remember though, its a fairing off job to do the brake lines. Stopping is just as important, if not more, than going.

True there is more than just rubber in brake lines but they can still swell under pressure from aged rubber. Either way, fresh lines are never a bad idea when it comes to brakes.
I had one blow on a pickup, not fun loosing brakes.

 

[marcusknight]

Why the heck do you have to take off the faring to do the brake lines?

 

[dan filipi]

marcusknight » 42 minutes ago[/url]":32ssni07]
Why the heck do you have to take off the faring to do the brake lines?

On my 83 I didn't, don't know on a 1200.
If you can reach them with fairing on then have at it.

 

[julimike54]

On the 1200 you can disconnect them if you have small hands and rubber joints, it's just not practical. Just did all mine, came to the conclusion that taking the fairing off is the best way to go (I meet none of the physical requirements!)

 

[bronko37]

marcusknight » Mon May 11, 2015 3:11 pm[/url]":1ar7nxwa]
Why the heck do you have to take off the faring to do the brake lines?

Its pretty darn impossible to get at it with the fairing on, if you can do it hey more power to ya. I like Mike lacked the physical requirements to reach everything. You'll see... :yes:

Remember though, taking the fairing off is literally 4 bolts and unplug the harnesses. It's not hard, just make sure you have two people to lift and hold things as its just an awkward piece.

 

[marcusknight]

Bear in mind I have the more rare 1984 model with the older style fairing from the gl1100s. See my other posts for pics.

 

[marcusknight]

Does anyone know the size of the wrench that goes into the upper brake caliper bolt on the front of the gl1200? It looks like some large Allen Wrench but I do not have one that size. I feel like who ever fixed the brakes earlier did not tighten them all the way.

 

[slabghost]

Been a long time since I had mine off but I think it was a 10 mm allen wrench.

 

[zman]

Don't know what you have but sometimes the head of a bolt will work for extra large allens.

 

[Dadster]

Checked my 84 Interstate. It's 8 mm.

 

[marcusknight]

Cool thanks