Brake problem on my 500 today...

[Nozz]

This morning, I was cruising along to work when I noticed brake pressure on the front brake. No pressure on the lever, just pressure on the disc. When it was "auto applying" the front brake, I had no lever pressure. I tapped it at a red light, and when the light turned green, I took off but had no brakes at all! I pulled over and tapped on it a little more and it seemed fine for the rest of the ride. This happened several years ago in a similar way, but then I just got off the bike and it was fine the next day. I have seen several comments on similar instances, but wanted to ask this group what the heck is going on?? Thanks!

-=jn

[DAVID THOMPSON]

make sure the lever at the handle bar is adjusted so it has just a bit of free play
if the puck in the handle bar unit is pushed in a bit .. when lever is at rest
fluid can not flow back into reservoir and the hot weather makes it put on the brakes
when brake is not applied system must have free flow both ways
this applies to both front and rear systems as well as to a hydraulic clutch system

my stepson has killed the clutch in his nissan truck twice from not keeping it adjusted proper
dave

[Nozz]

Thanks, Dave. I loosened the lever a bit and bled some fluid through the system. The rods that the pads float through look a bit gunked up so we'll just have to see how it goes. Did fine coming home in the heat. The other ugly side was the lever coming all the way in with no brakes. That was kind of scary to discover in a downhill left turn from a stop. And the kicker is my dam back brake was not working at all! there's a bolt that connects the cross link on the brake to the frame that had come undone which caused the brake to fail. Holy Cr#p! Got that all sorted out so I'm hoping for less drama on the road tomorrow!

[Skorpion]

Sounds to me Noss, that your brake caliper piston's need a good clean,(brake overhaul)

[comanche91]

Sounds to me Noss, that your brake caliper piston's need a good clean,(brake overhaul)

Agree. I had a similar problem. Had to "pump up" the front brake to get it to work so I could stop; not good. No amount of bleeding helped out. I found a rebuild kit for the 41mm Grimeca caliper and replaced the o-rings and cleaned up the pistons and walls. These kits are hard to find. I had to order them from an seller in Hungary and they were for the MZ ETZ 250. I also picked up a used left side 38mm Brembo F08 caliper that is an easy bolt on and tried it. It actually feels firmer than the Grimeca caliper and works well with the stock MZ master cylinder.

[Nozz]

I think "Mr. Miami" might have the whole stinking caliper assy for about $80. I think I got pads from bmw once upon a time...