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Can't squeeze front brake handle

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  #1  
Old 05-28-2017 | 11:35 PM
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jwnusbaum
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From: Crowley, TX
Default Can't squeeze front brake handle

I went to stop with my front brake but could not squeeze the handle. At one point, if I used both hands, I could squeeze it. I replaced the pads and pushed the fluid back into the master cylinder but it did not help.
I also removed the line off of the master brake cylinder and I could squeeze the handle, building pressure.
 
  #2  
Old 05-29-2017 | 12:23 AM
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Use the search function for your problem. There's hundreds of threads about it.
 
  #3  
Old 05-29-2017 | 07:19 AM
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Save up 800 bucks.
 
  #4  
Old 05-29-2017 | 08:10 AM
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What year bike? ABS? If so have you ever flushed brake fluid?
 
  #5  
Old 05-29-2017 | 08:22 AM
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3 & 4 are OK 3 & 5 & 4 & 5 won't.
I'd take it all apart - clean it all - and fix it.
 
  #6  
Old 05-29-2017 | 08:51 AM
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Looks as if you just joined Forum to get answers for your problem.I think you need professional HD technician assistance on this one.
 
  #7  
Old 05-29-2017 | 10:13 AM
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If you have abs take it to a dealer if you don't have abs something is plugged
 
  #8  
Old 05-29-2017 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by big- mike
If you have abs take it to a dealer
With the aforementioned 800 bucks.
 
  #9  
Old 08-14-2019 | 01:01 PM
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From: orangevale
Default Front brakes not braking

it appears your master cylinder is probably ok. so work down the line. reconnect the line at the master cylinder refill with the proper brake fluid bleed the master cylinder then remove the line at the caliper or if you have dual discs remove one line put a sandwich bag over the end of the line tie it on with something rubber band etc now squeeze the lever. did the lever go to the bar and squeeze the fluid out of the line? if not you have a line issue clogged or kinked look for the issue and replace the line if needed. if you have a second disk reattach the line to the caliper bleed it and move on to the second caliper. if that side flows fluid also you may have frozen calipers. i have seen this in the past where a bike that has been sitting for a long time has the pistons freeze up in the caliper bores. remove the calipers disassemble and check for damage in the piston bores and inspect the pistons clean and reassemble then rebleed and see if it works. DO NOT squeeze the brake lever with the calipers off the bike! this could have dangerous consequences. be sure to use the correct brake fluid listed on the master cylinder cap! DOT3 or Dot 4 etc old fluid may have congealed in the calipers sticking the pistons in place especially if someone added the wrong fluid in the past or just extremely dirty or corroded calipers. I have worked on anti locks on BMW's but never HD's anti lock is another animal and should only be worked on by a trained professional. if you have any doubt in your ability with any brake system take it to a professional the risk is too high when working braking systems to take chances. I hope this helps you a bit.
 

Last edited by jake2351; 08-14-2019 at 01:15 PM. Reason: poor typing skills
  #10  
Old 08-14-2019 | 01:11 PM
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Jake..... I'm gonna a guess the op's problem was solved 2 years ago.
 
The following 2 users liked this post by J_MOSH:
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