rear brake problem as well

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almost the exact opposite of what the member a few posts ago put but....

for some reason my rear brake wont engage....I checked the fluid level and I also took the brake off to make sure the caliper would engage but for some reason when I place it on the bike it wont engage correctly. I honestly have no idea how to go about adjusting the brakes so any help would be appreciated...You don't need to break it down barney style but a brief explanation would work. Thanks

[stinkwheel]

From what you said in your other post (ie. only pressure on the last 1/2" of the lever stroke) it sounds like there is air in the hydraulic system.

When you push down on the lever, a piston pumps brake fluid from the top reservoir into another piston in the calliper which in turn pushes the pads against the disc. This works because fluid is not easily compressed and the brake fluid just transfers the force of your foot to the pads.

Air however is readily compressed, so if there is an air bubble in the brake line or any of the circuit, the air will compress when you push the lever rather than the piston moving.

To get rid of any air you need to bleed it out of the brakes. There are a number of posts on how to do this if you look at the 'useful links' thread at the top of this section.

You also need to find out how air got in there in the first place. The most common way is if it ran too low on fluid before you topped it up but I would also check the brake lines and fittings for any signs of damage/looseness.

Could be something different entirely (like a blown seal in the master cylinder) but air in the system would be the most common.
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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.