Worrying brake problem...

MikeyC · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2002 Karma :

Was riding home the other night in the p*ssing down rain and i encountered a worrying problem with my front brake. It's hard to describe but i'll do me best. basically when you pull in the lever slightly, theres usually no restrictions whatsoever, but this one night, i pulled it in slightly and it felt like somthing was stopping it pulling in any further, and i do literally mean just touching the brake... if u use a tad more pressure you end up braking too hard when you just wanna slow down a little bit.

Does this make sense to anyone at all or is it just me?? Confused

Freshstart · Derestricted Danger Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Karma :

i take it the brakes are hydraulic??? there might be a blockage of some sought, if its cable the cable might be caught. the brake might of seized??. was it cold??

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

I assume it happened everytime you tried it?

Have you checked the lever, there might be something jammed/ broken in there.

How are the pads doing for wear?

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

my brakes do that, and its cos my brakes are shit. personally i've got an air leak somewhere in the system which just overheat in shit weather and seizes. check the pins your caliper sits on, the might have notches worn into them, i've got that as well and basically the pads sit into the notches and dont move far.
try also stripping and cleaning them and greasing up the pins and the caliper, could just be siezed.

zaknafien · Joined: 25 Mar 2002 Karma :

mine are the same dont know what it means though.
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02 Firestorm.

MikeyC · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2002 Karma :

thing is its an 02' NSR which ive had since Feb and its a looked after bike and it just happened out the blue.. it was fine when i drove up to work, was ok initally when i left work, but only when i got onto a dual carriageway about 20 mins after riding that it happened, thats why i'm so confused!!

Zimma · Wheelie Junkie Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Take it back to where you got it from, it should still be under warranty Smile

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-Zimma

Guest · Posted: 18:04 - 02 Nov 2002 Post subject:

you will probably find you ave an airlock in the system
it's an easy fix just buy a bleed kit from halfords
good luck

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Normally something like this is caused by the pistons in the front brake caliper sticking (maybe just one), or the pins the front caliper slides on starting to stick.

It is still under warrenty so you need to be careful (and you might well get it fixed for free)

Take the caliper off the forks and lightly pump the pistons out (only slightly, they will come out if you pump the too far) and clean up the sides of the pistons. I use an old tooth brush and WD40. Then push the pistons back in (carefully, push them in straight, not at an angle). You can lube the pistons slightly, either using copper slip (they copper coloured high temp grease) or rubber grease (copper slip works, but will eventually damage the seals). You may well find that one of the pistons comes out easily and the other stays put. If so hold the free one in place to pump the other one out.

Do the same for the pins the caliper slides on.

All the best

Keith
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MikeyC · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2002 Karma :

i think i've narrowed it down a bit... the problem only starts when the bike warms up.. once i've been riding for around 20 minutes, then i can start to feel it, when the bike is cold, brakes are cold, i cant feel the problem. Does this change anything?

Hunter · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 01 Mar 2002 Karma :

First thing check your brake lever cause it happens to me sometimes when it rains that the point that contacts the piston needs lubrication.

Try just oiling the lever thoroughly. If it continues to happen then check the brake cylinder by taking it apart! The manual has some good info. in doing this!

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Brakes heat up as well. I cannot think of any way that engine heat would affect the brakes.

Hunter is right and I forgot Rolling Eyes

(going senile) that the problem could be at the master cylinder. Take the lever off and lube the pivot point, and put a dab of grease on the end of the piston on the m/c (where the lever pushes it). Make sure you dont loose anything (on lots of bikes there is a small ball bearing which helps to operate the front brake light switch, and that is easily lost)

All thebest

Keith
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