Why is my front brake spongy??? Help!
#1
Why is my front brake spongy??? Help!
Alright guys so I need some help here. A while back I changed the handlebars on my street bob. Since that point coincidentally I have been having a weird issue with my front brake. Here is what happens- when I come down to my garage in the morning (the bike having sat all night), I can squeeze my front brake lever in all the way with little effort. The more I squeeze it will slowly pump up and become firm like it should be. I can then ride and have zero issues. But once I come home and park the bike for the night I have the same problem the next day. It seems to me that somehow air is getting in the system. I've bled the line, replaced the cap/gasket on top, and rebuilt the master cylinder with the seal kit from Harley and the issue is still the same. There are no leaks coming from the cylinder or the caliper and my front rotor is not warped. What in the world is wrong with my brake?? Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Dad's Bike (02-22-2023)
#2
#3
Try using a syringe to bleed it from the bottom up.
I seen a how to on here but I can't find it right now.
Basically, put brake fluid in the syringe, use a piece of hose to connect to the bleeder on the caliper and push the fluid up to the master cylinder. Hopefully the air will come out with it.
Don't forget to mostly empty the master cylinder first. Keep an eye on the fluid level.
I seen a how to on here but I can't find it right now.
Basically, put brake fluid in the syringe, use a piece of hose to connect to the bleeder on the caliper and push the fluid up to the master cylinder. Hopefully the air will come out with it.
Don't forget to mostly empty the master cylinder first. Keep an eye on the fluid level.
#4
And make sure you use fresh brake fluid from a sealed can. One opened the fluid will begin to take on moisture/air causing spongy brakes.
I had this problem once when I used fluid from a previously opened can. No matter how much I bled the fluid it would not feel firm when pulling on the lever. A new can of fluid cured the problem.
I had this problem once when I used fluid from a previously opened can. No matter how much I bled the fluid it would not feel firm when pulling on the lever. A new can of fluid cured the problem.
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Dad's Bike (02-22-2023)
#6
Do the above and tap the full length of the brake line with screwdriver every so often to loosen any stubborn air bubbles. I did this and took the bike for a long ride. Brake has been solid since.
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Dad's Bike (02-22-2023)
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#8
#9
All of these are good suggestions. I had a terrible time bleeding brakes when I installed a new MC/lines on a different bike. The bungie cord method didn't cure it, tapped, used fresh fluid, etc.
I ended up removing the calipers and hoisted them above the bars on a ladder. I just zip tied them in place. Then I bled them, tapped on lines, etc. A lot more air came out of them, since they were higher than the MC.
I ended up removing the calipers and hoisted them above the bars on a ladder. I just zip tied them in place. Then I bled them, tapped on lines, etc. A lot more air came out of them, since they were higher than the MC.
#10
All of these are good suggestions. I had a terrible time bleeding brakes when I installed a new MC/lines on a different bike. The bungie cord method didn't cure it, tapped, used fresh fluid, etc.
I ended up removing the calipers and hoisted them above the bars on a ladder. I just zip tied them in place. Then I bled them, tapped on lines, etc. A lot more air came out of them, since they were higher than the MC.
I ended up removing the calipers and hoisted them above the bars on a ladder. I just zip tied them in place. Then I bled them, tapped on lines, etc. A lot more air came out of them, since they were higher than the MC.