Front brakes - advice please

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

One more trick to try on the curvy S model-----
Look closely at the master cylinder/brake lever assembly and you can work out that there is a high point in the system where the brake line bolts to the M/C.Air bubbles can collect there and not be able to escape into the fluid reservoir along that bit of flexi pipe.I got those bubbles out by unbolting the whole assembly from the handlebar and fettling it so the bubbles could escape.It was only the tiniest amount of air,but enough to make the brake a bit spongy.

Cheers Biggles.

Off to tie up the lever, will try these out in the morning if not better.

Have you still got original hoses? Maybe time to replace them?

Getting mine done because my brakes have noticeably deteriorated in the last two months, really spongey now, but pads good, discs good and fluid only few months old so hoses were only thing left really!!

Yeah, hoses are original so 9 years/30k miles old.

I'm gutted actually as I could have not bought the new pads, and spent an extra 20 squids on some nice new braided hoses.

Debating credit card.

With cable tie on I can get the lever to within mm's of the bar (I'd never bet able to squeeze it that tight by hand). Scary.

[Bibio]

there is one more little trick that can be applied to brake bleeding. tapping the system with a handle of a screwdriver to dislodge the air bubbles that attach themselves to the inside of the hoses and nookes'n'cranies whilest you are bleeding the system. doing this after once the pads have settled in is also good with a final bleed.

another that has been mentioned is the trapping of air at the top of the system at the banjo bolt. this is a simple fix but fiddly. you have to put a rag under the banjo and while pulling lightly on the brake leaver crack the banjo open then close it again before the leaver gets to the bar. don't worry air wont get in if the system is pushing fluid out, but if you let the leaver go to the bar then you have to do it again as air will be drawn in.

one final tip is PTFE gas/plumber tape on all the bleed nipple threads but remember to leave the bottom clear as this is where the fluid comes out, you don't have to cover the entire thread just the top third or so with about 3/4 turns of tape remembering to wind in the same direction as the thread when it winds on.

another good way to bleed brakes is a big feck off syringe. fill the syringe 3/4 full of fluid with a short piece of hose to the nipple. crack the nipple open then first suck till fluid comes out then wait till that bubble reaches the top of the syringe then push fluid in.

that last bit sounds a bit pervy

one more thing.. about the balcakshadow discs they are good but there is an ever so slight wait when its raining and they get wet, it takes a tiny wee bit for the pads to clear the water then all is good. personally i like this as it makes the brakes a bit more hamfistedness friendly in the rain.

[Bibio]

ohh yes i forgot to add if the discs aint warped or rattling their bobbins off the just on the service limit is fine.

[jambo]

Hongman, I've ridden on discs below the service limit before without incident. Make a note that they will need replacing but they're not going to go horribly wrong any time soon. They're only 0.25mm worn each side, that's not exactly meeting in the middle

With regards to feel, it's possible the original lines are past their best but I'd place good money that the system's not completely bled. Try to just see if you can get a little air bed out and let us know how you get on.

Jambo

Same, I was fine om 3.9mm, only changed because MOT was approaching.

[Nobbylad]

Do testers even check the width of the discs at MOT?

Originally Posted by Bibio

Useful stuff

Cheers me old mucka, I shall be referring to this should other attempts fail.

I really am trying to a avoid a full caliper service though becuase I havent got the time anytime soon to spare...!

Originally Posted by jambo

Hongman, I've ridden on discs below the service limit before without incident. Make a note that they will need replacing but they're not going to go horribly wrong any time soon. They're only 0.25mm worn each side, that's not exactly meeting in the middle

With regards to feel, it's possible the original lines are past their best but I'd place good money that the system's not completely bled. Try to just see if you can get a little air bed out and let us know how you get on.

Jambo

Thankoo

Originally Posted by beabert

Same, I was fine om 3.9mm, only changed
because MOT was approaching.

Thankoo too

Originally Posted by Nobbylad

Do testers even check the width of the discs at MOT?

Not when I had my MOT!


Weather looks really crap, its been raining and dark clouds overhead..dont fancy playing with the brakes yet, coz it'll raid as soon as I do anything.

OK to leave the cable tie on?

Aaaand its p1ssing it down.

I knew it.