[Cameroon]

I have had the same 1973 Harley FXE since 1978. The front brakes were rubbing pretty heavy when not applied. I have not been able to stop it. Any body have any ideas? Also when I lay the front wheel over to the left, I can get the master cylinder on the handlebars to pump up pressure as I try to bleed the system, but once I put the wheel straight ahead, the lever pulls right to the grip. Does anybody have a suggestion?

[hotroadking]

You have air in the system or getting into the system, might need to rebuild a caliper, it could be sticking, or have a leak.

Same for the lines.

I'm going to guess you've replaced the pads once or twice since 78 LOL

Have you recently replaced pads?

Other things that can cause this is a warped rotor, as you ride it presses back against the pads and the heat causes air in the caliper/lines to form or bubbles)

You may need to rebuild the caliper and or MC, pretty easy stuff, replace old rubber lines with SS lines will improve braking,

[CD]

The piston (puck) is probably getting stuck or hanging up holding the pads against the rotor. The lines are 20+ years old with Dot5 that is how old? Are you pulling the top of the m/c off and making sure the piston port is staying under the fluid level?


I agree with HRK. Tear it down, rebuild it with new boots and seals and lines.