Front Brake Drag | GTAMotorcycle.com

Front Brake Drag

Declan Gunn

Declan Gunn

Active member
Hey.... I have a 99 CBR and am experiencing some front brake drag. The brake fluid reservoir was maxed to the top, so I took some out to keep it right in between the levels. But any other suggestions would be appreciate.

I get maybe just over 1 rotation (if I give 'er) from the fronts. Pads have 2/3 life left and the rotors aren't bent. Another thing, from where my lever is released to the brakes being full on to stop the front wheel on a dime is maybe an inch.... too sensitive? lol

Thanks.
 
Bought it used a couple months ago... so I wouldn't know.

Never did that kind of work before, anything extraordinary I should know/have?
 
Nice, excellent vid for a first-timer... I can definitely do that. Thanks!
 
you don't need that special tool in the video, just squeeze the brake lever and the piston will come out, squirt some oil if its not coming out smoothly, DO NOT use W40 as it's know to do harm to rubber seals. I use Dupon Teflon Lube and it works like charm, also loosen up brake dusts and it suppose to be good for rubber parts too.
 
wiredbeans said:
you don't need that special tool in the video, just squeeze the brake lever and the piston will come out, squirt some oil if its not coming out smoothly, DO NOT use W40 as it's know to do harm to rubber seals. I use Dupon Teflon Lube and it works like charm, also loosen up brake dusts and it suppose to be good for rubber parts too.
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K, i'll have to try that lube.... I did a thorough cleaning but there's 1 calipre on each side that isn't cooperating. It worked better for the first few pumps, and then locked up again. the amount of force that takes 1 rotation gets me 4-5 rotations on my R6.

My concern is if it doesn't pass tech at say, a track day or screws up on the street when I need it the most.

It DID free up some braking space on the lever.... it doesn't feel like it's full-on-full-off within an inch anymore, much more progressive use now. But anything else that might help? Muchly appreciated.
 
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Well, now that the parts are clean and the pistons still lazy, you need to now rebuild your caliper, it's just as easy but a few more steps of taking it apart, you will need the caliper piston seal rings, normally 2 on each piston. They are very cheap and you can get them at your local dealer. While you are at it, might as well do the rear brake too so you don't ever have to worry about it for at least a couple seasons.

Here is a tutorial video :) after that you should have pretty much brand new brakes; there are 3 episodes so take time to watch all 3 from start to finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Hphm1bMPM&feature=related
 
Well they don't lift your bike and spin the wheels at a track day tech. :) But I would be concerned with going into the first turn and they lock up and you fly 100 meters through the air. That would not be having a good time.

Good luck on the repair though, sounds like you're been pointed in the right direction!
 
Is the lever new looking? Could be the wrong lever, or one that is defective and is not releasing enough to uncover the compensating port in the master. The longer you ride, the more the front brake applies, to the point that you cannot ride the bike at all, the front wheel will not even turn. Easy way to verify, remove the brake lever completely, and take the bike for a ride. Remember you have no front brake lever though when you go to stop.
 
bear22099 said:
Easy way to verify, remove the brake lever completely, and take the bike for a ride.
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Worst technical advise EVER :lmao:I sure hope no one does that here.

The lever movement is fine now, as mentioned in my previous post.
 
Declan Gunn said:
Worst technical advise EVER :lmao:I sure hope no one does that here.

The lever movement is fine now, as mentioned in my previous post.
Click to expand...

If you are concious of what you are doing, it is not the worst mechanical advice ever. If you are an idiot that cannot remember what he has just done 5 minutes ago, that is not my fault, that is the fault of two cousins marrying and having a child. You will note that I did not say take a run out on the highway. You would need only go to the bottom of the street to see the results. I was also assuming you still have a rear brake, and that you are aware that it is very capable of stopping a motorcycle all on its own. Seems I gave too much credit here. Perhaps you should not be trying to fix something as complex as brakes. The lever movement can be perfect, and still leave the compensating port covered. I am guessing you do not know what a compensating port even is now. I will take my many years of experience and go away now.
 
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