Brake troubles

After getting my SV (99 curvy) I had a problem with the front brake seizing. The brake calipers were stripped, cleaned, seals replaced and everything put back together with new pads. They still didn't feel great so I was advised that it may well be the master cylinder which I replaced and also decided to get braided hoses fitted. Every time I've had work done to the brake it initially feels great however after a short time feels spongy and gives no confidence. Some days it seems better than others.

Any one have any ideas what the problem could be. The only thing I've not replaced is the calipers themselves. There is no sign of any leaks and I don't seem to be losing any fluid.

[pmapp]

Are they bled up correctly? Obviously you think they are, but it's quite possible there's a bit of air still lurking in there. The banjo bolt on the lever is a prime location for it.

I'm pretty sure they are, suppose that's a possibility but I've bled them and I had a mechanic fit the hoses and he bled the system so I don't think it's that. Any other ideas or you reckon thats what it'll be?

I had the same problem and stripped the calipers and renewed the seals. It took ages to bleeed them properly, and i used a fair amount of brake fluid but wanted to be sure they were fine.

The brakes have been great, but recently they have started to fade in the wet. I'm going to replce them this weekend.

Did you replace the pads too, and did you let them bed in? i think if theyre used in aggression too quickly they can glaze and not work too well.

Hope this helps. Always a worry when you dont have confidence in your brakes

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Jimbo_Bimbo

The brakes have been great, but recently they have started to fade in the wet.

This is often brake dust in the holes drilled through the disks. Clean the discs up with brake cleaner and use something to clean out the holes, when the old brake pad and road dust in these holes gets wet it forms a paste which lubricates the disc to some extent while you're braking.


Jambo

Thanks for the advice, I've tried cleaning the disc several times before but it doesn't seem to solve the problem. I think I may have to try to bleed the brakes once again and see if that helps.

P.S I did replace the pads and I did allow them to bed in.

[punyXpress]

Try holding the brake on overnight ? with a cable tie ?
This seems to 'push' the air up the pipe faster.

Cheers I'll give that a try.

[jambo]

I've never been a big believer in this cable tie fix, but what I would say is if it does any good, it's to move the air bubble somewhere more easily bled from, it will not get rid of it, so by all means do this, then bleed it properly, but don't do it, and then be surprised that it goes straight back to how it was after a few minutes of riding.

Jambo

Fair enough, that makes sense. I'll probably give it a try then bleed the system and hopefully it'll help the situation. I gave the discs a good clean today.