Front Brake Question

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Just wondering what are the washers for next to the front break there was two of them on the bike when I replaced the break however went out after a downpour and there is only one left Confused

.. will this have any effect as the brake is still tight and does its job ?
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herulach · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Karma :

I don't know which washers you mean, but if you actually mean washers then where is the nut/bolt they were attached to? If random bolts were dropping out of my front brakes i'd be pretty worried.
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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

The mind simply boggles at to what this part might be. The first thing that springs to mind from your description is the brake pad... which is frankly a worry.

I think a picture will be necessary, or an exploded parts diagram showing the relevant part.

As a starter for ten, the make and model of the motorcycle in question would be a step in the right direction.
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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

If it is a 1986 bike then it will have the normal hydraulic caliper, rather than the cable operated caliper (which was proof that Honda had a sick sense of humour).

As to the part, I can only guess that by washer you mean one of the rubber boots on the pins the caliper slides on.

All the best

Keith
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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

I said I was going upload some photos an here they are sorry about being late but thats busses for you.

Left of the flat head screw is where there was 2 washers with one falling out during the rain I believe.
https://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/smilingsam1/IMG_0124.jpg
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CB125>CG125>GN125>ER5>K100RS>R1100RS>K100RS
A2 completed 23/07/15 Ready for the Golden Crisp Packet

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Err. Eeek.

Shouldn't be a washer there. I would guess that someone has done a real nasty bodge with a washer between the brake lever and master cylinder piston to take up some of the clearance and make the brakes appear firmer.

Sort it out properly. Could be the seals in the master cylinder or caliper, could be the brake hose is on its last legs, could be the pins the caliper slides on need cleaning up and lubing. Could just need bleeding properly.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Those aren't an original part of the bike implying either the lever or the master cylinder has a bit missing off it. Either that or they are shimming it out because it's worn and loose.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Right, make sure that there IS 'some' free play in the lever and that when the brake is released, the 'cam' that bears on that washer, or end of the brake piston has a small gap... you can play with your feeler guages if you like! Doesn't have to be big, 1/4mm will do, but enough that the piston FULLY returns, when you let go of the lever.

If there's no gap, then the wheel can still turn, but , if the piston cant fully return, it can 'jack up' and each time you brake, pump a bit more fluid into the system until the brakes stay on.

That's what happend, I think to that chap that fitted cheap chinese knock-off levers and had them pump up on him until they locked and stayed locked.

Its a bit like your tappets, if you remember.

That washer was a conveniently sized 'shim', because the lever that I got was a bit 'short' and the gap huge, and the free play enough that the brake light switch would stay 'out' and keep brake light on', and put lever too close to the bar for my big mitts.

As Keith says 'shouldn't be needed with a new lever; so CHECK the clerance with and without, to decide if you need it, or want it.

On Snowie's bike, remember, we did it the other way, and filed down the cam to make more clerance and bring the lever closer to the bar for her little hands, and maintain full lever travel.

ALL PLEASE NOTE: These small 'adjustments' are possible; I have not shown them on open forum because you FUCK WITH BRAKES AT YOUR OWN RISK!
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