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Author Topic: Brake question  (Read 1506 times)
Big IV
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Posts: 2845


Iron Station, NC 28080


« on: June 19, 2009, 04:32:15 AM »

here is a question that I think I know the answer to, I'm just checking myself...

Before I moved to PA I checked the bike over, inspection and fresh fluids.  In my haste I over filled the front brake reservoir slightly but didn't think to much of it at the time. Now three weeks later my front brakes were squeaking and when I took a look they were nearly gone. I like using my brakes, but they were used but fine three weeks ago.

So after the background, here is the question: Does an overfill of brake fluid cause the calipers to not re-open correctly thus allowing for brake drag? Brake drag would account for the extra wear.


I think so.   Thoughts?

My wife picked up a turkey baster at Wal-mart so I could siphon some of the fluid off in the parking lot but it didn't hold, cheap turkey baster!  So I'm going to go find another one to correct the fluid level. 
I put on fresh pads last night in the parking lot behind the apartment building and they may be dragging slightly. I took a test drive helmetless trying to beat the rain and then realized that it didn't tell me a lot because I don't know what it is supposed to sound like sans helmet since I don't ride that way.  But the bike was stopping itself so it was an improvement.
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VRCCDS0176
Jack
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Posts: 1889


VRCC# 3099, 1999 Valk Standard, 2006 Rocket 3

Benton, Arkansas


« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2009, 04:52:21 AM »

I would have thought the extra would have spilled out when the cover was replaced.  I guess anything is possible.
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"It takes a certain kind of nut to ride a motorcycle, and I am that motorcycle nut," Lyle Grimes, RIP August 2009.
John U.
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Posts: 1085


Southern Delaware


« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2009, 08:20:28 AM »

Once you replaced the rubber diaphragm in the reservoir it should have displaced enough brake fluid to prevent an overfill problem. When you replaced the brake pads you should have removed the cap to allow excess fluid (due to thicker pads) to be removed.
Any moisture in the brake fluid can boil when the brakes are in use. This can cause pressure in the system which can result in excessive brake pad wear.
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vanagon40
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Posts: 1462

Greenwood, IN


« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2009, 11:12:46 AM »

Question: "Does an overfill of brake fluid cause the calipers to not re-open correctly thus allowing for brake drag?"

I would seriously doubt it.  I would not think that you would not need much if any open space in the reservoir to allow sufficient fluid to return to allow the calipers to release.

First, I cannot imagine that even if someone intentionally set out to fill the reservoir completely leaving no air space, it would be possible to replace the lid without leaving a void.  And that would involve removing the reservoir from the handlebars to get it completely level.

Second, even if someone accomplished the above, unless the system was sealed with the brakes fully engaged, the completely full system would be able to return to the initial position--brakes not engaged.

I just do not see this happening (but I candidly admit that I am not a motorcycle brake mechanic).

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Ghillie
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Posts: 892


Garland, TX


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« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2009, 04:37:12 PM »

I had a similar problem when I first got my 98. Turned out there was a lot of moisture in the system and after driving in traffic a bit the brakes were dragging slightly. A couple of flush and fills later everything seems to be good. I had to totally empty the the reservoirs and wipe out the sludge in the master cylinders and then I got a mighty vac and sucked clean fluid through the lines.
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