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Adjusting Front brakes on a motorcycle.

Discussion in 'Motorcycles' started by raskal311, Apr 12, 2010.

  1. Apr 13, 2010 at 7:30 AM
    #21
    Kuneff

    Kuneff Carpe Diem

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    :D I can't help it man... Bikes are my passion. I have been riding and working on them for about 12-13 years now. Nothing in the world more fun than a bike on a road corse. :D
     
  2. Apr 13, 2010 at 7:33 AM
    #22
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    Do not use WD-40 on brake components. It can damage the seals. Use brake fluid as a lubricant if necessary.
     
  3. Apr 13, 2010 at 7:34 AM
    #23
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    I just had to take the opportunity to bust on WV for a sec, my fiance is from Buckhannon, we were just there this past weekend.
     
  4. Apr 13, 2010 at 7:35 AM
    #24
    Kuneff

    Kuneff Carpe Diem

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    ^All cool man, I was thinking it was you that had connections to this area.
     
  5. Apr 13, 2010 at 7:42 AM
    #25
    cjh

    cjh Well-Known Member

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    Here's something yet to be mentioned, if the small hole inside the master cylinder that lets the fluid return is plugged up it will do what you are descriding. I had that happen to my sled last year. The brakes were dragging and wouldn't release. Chances are your fluid is very old and needs replaced. It could be a frozen piston as well, but if not it is something else for you to easily check. Pull off the master cylinder cover and look at the small bleed hole where the piston pushes the fluid towards the caliper. There is a small return hole where the fluid pressure is relieved after releasing the front brake lever. If there is no way for the pressure to be released, the brakes won't release.
     
  6. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:15 AM
    #26
    raskal311

    raskal311 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    5100 set to max, pending LSD and TRD CAI
    Good info....!! I'm glad I have you guys, I didn't find jack on google.com
     
  7. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:15 AM
    #27
    asphaltpilot

    asphaltpilot CAPS CAPS CAPS!

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    In addition to this, if you still have a problem you may need to replace the master cylinder. And remember that when you bleed the system, use a Mighty Vac. It will save you time and headache.
     
  8. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:25 AM
    #28
    Kuneff

    Kuneff Carpe Diem

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    Oh man... Not sure of the brand, I got mine from Napa, but that vac is the best money ever spent. The amount of time it has saved when swapping to braided steel lines, and just everything in general... The Vac/Pump setup is worth every penny.
     
  9. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:37 AM
    #29
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    I hate my Mity vac pump, I just bought a Power Bleeder, it works so much better.
     
  10. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:38 AM
    #30
    Kuneff

    Kuneff Carpe Diem

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    For bikes, I think it works Great!!! I have not used it much on a vehicle.
     
  11. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:43 AM
    #31
    JDMcQ

    JDMcQ Well-Known Member

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    You are probably correct, I did like mine when bleeding the bike.
     
  12. Apr 13, 2010 at 8:47 AM
    #32
    raskal311

    raskal311 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    5100 set to max, pending LSD and TRD CAI
    Yeah I saw a youtube video demo on the vac last night and have plans to pick one up today. is $35 a decent price for one? Also would any motocycle DOT approved break fluid work?
     
  13. Apr 13, 2010 at 9:07 AM
    #33
    cjh

    cjh Well-Known Member

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    I got mine at sears for $49. It is a craftsman model. Harbor freight had actual mighty-vac brand units for somewhere around $35 new. If you flush all of the fluid with a vac pump go with dot 3 or 4. Like $2 a bottle at wal-mart. I just flushed the lines on my v-strom and DRZ and used less than 2 bottles total. You WILL know when the new fluid is all the way through the lines. The color difference is remarkable. DO NOT suck all of the old fluid out of the resivoir before adding new fluid. You will make life difficult if you do. Don't ask how I know!! Be sure not to get any fluid on any painted surface unless you want to re-paint it either. Good luck.
     
  14. Apr 13, 2010 at 9:49 AM
    #34
    Kuneff

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    Yes and no... NEVER use DOT 5 Silicone fluid... bad news... I always use the 5.1 in my bikes, but I do a lot of track days.

    Personally, I would just get DOT4. It will work fine for your bike and riding needs.
     
  15. Apr 13, 2010 at 9:00 PM
    #35
    SC4333

    SC4333 Well-Known Member

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    Yep. Mixing Dot 5 (silicon based) with Dot 3, 4 or 5.1(glycol) will cause sludging of the fluid. You also never use a silicon based fluid with ABS systems FWIW. If you really wanted to use a Dot 5, there is nothing wrong with that, but be prepared to pay out the ass and flush the holy hell out of your brake system. Silicon based brake fluids are superior to glycol based fluids in the sense that they do not mix with water although they will not mix with any of the polyglycol based fluids (dot 3, 4, and 5.1).
     
  16. Apr 13, 2010 at 10:21 PM
    #36
    raskal311

    raskal311 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok so I used a C clamp and got the pistons to push back. They are dirty as fac.... I was't able to remove the pads to clean the pistons, the two huge screws holding them in place is jamped. I'm going to head to Harbor Fright tomrrow to puckup a large flat head to see if it helps any. I was hoping to have some more time to do it today but the little lady had other plans.
     
  17. Apr 14, 2010 at 12:34 AM
    #37
    Black Taco

    Black Taco Well-Known Member

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    No mods whatsoever!
    You're making progress at least.
     
  18. Apr 14, 2010 at 5:39 AM
    #38
    Kuneff

    Kuneff Carpe Diem

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    Try spraying some PB blaster on those bolts. You may have to consider your current pads a total loss after that. If you get stuff like that on the pad, they are unusable.

    If you can find some... there is some penetrating fluid that is FAR superior to PB Blaster, its call In-Force. That stuff is AMAZING....
     
  19. Apr 14, 2010 at 9:59 PM
    #39
    raskal311

    raskal311 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    success!!!! got the entire thing taken apart. I'm soaking it in break cleaner now and I'm going to order some new gaskets tomorrow.
     
  20. Apr 16, 2010 at 6:56 AM
    #40
    raskal311

    raskal311 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    5100 set to max, pending LSD and TRD CAI
    Quick update i'm waiting on a rebuild kit from cyclepartswarehouse.com, it seems no one in my area has it in stock.

    Picture of the bike.
    [​IMG]
     

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