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Give Me A Brake!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by luminaman, May 25, 2011.

  1. luminaman

    luminaman Member

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    I'm about to throw in the towel. All I want is a front brake system that works. So, I removed the calipers, cleaned the pistons, installed new seals, and put in new pads. I rebuilt the master cylinder (after cleaning out the bore which by the way was smooth). I put nice new copper washers in at the junctions. BUT, after bleeding the system, the brakes are mushy. SO, I took everything apart, checked my work, and put it all back together. THE BRAKES ARE STILL MUSHY. What gives?! :?
     
    luminaman, May 25, 2011
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  2. TIMEtoRIDE

    TIMEtoRIDE Active Member

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    You didn't say what bike, but try this - - barely break loose the first banjo fitting at the Master, and act like it's a bleed screw. Air hides in there.
    Use towels!!!
    After that, the advise is braided stainless lines.
     
    TIMEtoRIDE, May 25, 2011
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  3. mwhite74

    mwhite74 Member

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    when you bleed them make sure you don't let all the pressure go out when you open the bleeder screw/bolt. Just crack it open a bit and close it once fluid comes out. Took me a while to get a good brake 'handle'.
     
    mwhite74, May 25, 2011
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  4. luminaman

    luminaman Member

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    When you say to only open the bleeder screw a little: do I pump up the pressure in the master cylinder, hold the handle "in", and then open & close?
     
    luminaman, May 25, 2011
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Pump up the pressure; hold pressure and open the bleeder. The lever will begin to "relax" toward the bar. Just before it bottoms out, re-tighten the bleeder.

    Repeat.

    Be sure you keep the master full; if you "suck wind" you have to start over.
     
    bigfitz52, May 25, 2011
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  6. TIMEtoRIDE

    TIMEtoRIDE Active Member

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    Yes, as Fitz says, pressurize, crack open, tighten, re-pressurize.
    It won't take much at the banjo fitting, but makes a world of difference.

    Just remembered to also turn your forks left-right, and strike softly with a rubber mallet or shoe, and re-bleed the calipers. That dislodges tiny air bubbles.
    Then, after riding a few hundred miles, re-bleed any residual air bubbles.
     
    TIMEtoRIDE, May 25, 2011
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