I have a front brake issue that is kicking my a$$

3rd set of pad. The 1st two brake jobs I completed with no issues.

After replacing the pads and bleeding I had spongy brake lever. I found that only 1 brake pistons in each caliper was working. I did the shoestring clean and tested.

What’s happening is when I squeeze the lever (with caliper off the bike and shoes removed) the pistons come out but then retract just a little. When I ride it I have to squeeze the lever a couple times before I get brakes. If I just squeeze the lever once I have no brakes.

I put a whole bottle of fluid through it to bleed them.

Have any ideas?

 

Update.

Did the ”Tie the brake lever closed trick” last night. It worked. Here is what I did.

I zip tied the front brake lever closed
In the morning I taped on both brake lines to move any other bubbles
Let it sit another hour
Cut the zip tie and popped the lever open
Let it sit another 20 minutes
Open the master cover & bleed both sides again(interesting there was a bubble that came up because before bleeding I had to add fluid.
Top it off and replaced the cap.

Perfect brake and lever action.

 

So I'm having similar issues although my lever is fine. Mybrake pads arent retracting enuff, just a fraction. The wheel can free spin but makes a scratching metal rubbing sound. Driving me nuts. Any ideas what steps should I take?