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Front brake system..

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Tommyc, Jan 4, 2011.

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  1. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    ok, thanks bambidee.
    Tommyc, Aug 1, 2011
    #41
  3. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I have determined that there's a leak and I suspect the left caliper.
    Is there a way to block it off or cap off the brake line that goes to one caliper to test the other caliper for leaks?
    The M/C goes to a tee and then 2 lines brach out, 1 for each caliper. I wanna block off one side to see it the other is fuctioning properly.
    Any ideas on how to do this?
    Thanks guys!
    Tommyc, Aug 9, 2011
    #42
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    risky only repairing/replacing one cylinder.......do them both!
    chucktx, Aug 9, 2011
    #43
  5. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I just rebuilt them both. One in not working properly, got to find which one it is first so I can take it apart again. I'm not going to just go and buy new calipers. Thats about $750. Maybe a seal is not in right.
    Tommyc, Aug 9, 2011
    #44
  6. bambidee

    bambidee Active Member

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    I have a saying in my auto shop,( return to the scene of the crime). Sometimes stuff happens no matter how good or carefull we are, worse than that is if it was somewhere else and the owner does not tell us. Can you take your vac pump to the caliphers, if OK they should hold vac I would think. good luck
    bambidee, Aug 9, 2011
    #45
  7. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    That's s good saying , always double check your work
    cowboy, Aug 9, 2011
    #46
  8. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I found the problem!
    The left caliper is leaking. I disconnected the brake line from the caliper and put a speed bleeeder in the end of the line to seal it off. The right caliper and everything else works fine.
    I will double check all the seals on the caliper to find out which one is leaking.
    Yaay, finally! I have messing with this brake system for 8 months! I didn't want to give up.
    Thanks for your help guys!
    Tommyc, Aug 10, 2011
    #47
  9. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Good job Tommyc I think some where in here someone said to go back & double check your work :) , it always helps to do it that way
    cowboy, Aug 10, 2011
    #48
  10. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Yes sir!
    Tommyc, Aug 10, 2011
    #49
  11. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    After much, pain, suffering, agony and curse words I have determined that one of my 4 piston calipers has sh1t the bed. I rebuilt it and then rebuilt it again and it's not holding hydraulic pressure.
    Any ideas on what to do now? Do I have to buy 2 new calipers? They are GMA 4 piston and I can't find them anywhere for a 1983 wide glide bike.
    Tommyc, Aug 16, 2011
    #50
  12. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Dump the duals, drop the one brake rotor and change the lines to single....

    Ride slower, look cooler, show more wheel...
    hotroadking, Aug 16, 2011
    #51
  13. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Good idea, what do I put in place of the rotor, just a spacer?
    Tommyc, Aug 16, 2011
    #52
  14. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Should be able to just take the rotor off the spacer is on the axel & fall out when you pull the axel out
    cowboy, Aug 16, 2011
    #53
  15. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    ok. Is the rotor attached to a flange on the wheel hub?
    Tommyc, Aug 17, 2011
    #54
  16. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Think it should be just bolted to the wheel 5 bolts I believe
    cowboy, Aug 17, 2011
    #55
  17. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Does the flange come off the wheel or is it integral?
    Tommyc, Aug 17, 2011
    #56
  18. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Which brake lines are the BEST? and I prefer American made.
    Goodridge, Russell or Magnum?
    Tommyc, Aug 17, 2011
    #57
  19. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    All are good just get the clear coated SS if you go SS

    They also have some called Chromite, which is a chromed SS it's
    shineyer than SS and looks good, so if you are a bling bling kinda guy...

    The rotor should just unbolt, you'll want a cover for the area
    check in custom chrome or Drag or even HD I am sure at one time
    I saw one, it's just a chrome ring.

    If you have a shop locally they could cut one out of
    steel, paint it black and cover the end... You just need about
    1/16 thick steel plate, 5 holes with counter sunk for bolts
    hotroadking, Aug 17, 2011
    #58
  20. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Tommyc, Aug 17, 2011
    #59
  21. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    SS improves brake performance, so if you want it to be all black
    there is black ss lines, they don't swell in the heat under pressure
    like stock lines, so it would be a good safety add to put on a new SS line for
    your front brake.
    hotroadking, Aug 17, 2011
    #60
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