Front brake woes

[bikerface]

Hi All

Been having some front brake woes of late here's the deal wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what I am doing wrong?
So I recently side graded to sv1000 four pots its not an upgrade just hoping for less maintenance, the reason I changed from the six pots was because I had no end of issues with them!
The bike is used all year round and the six pots tend to give up every six months even with regular maintenance.

Anyway I decided to get some four pots initially they were fine seemed smoother better feel then after a few weeks the horrible sponginess came back, so last night I checked everything the pistons are moving OK but gave a clean up and re bled the brakes but didn't really seem any better, I put a cable tie on the lever and left over night and this morning it was better (didn't go right back to grips) but as I rode into work could feel the brakes start to go off again!

I have braided lines directly connected to the calipers, any ideas what to do next?

[Andre]

Maybe the fault lies with the master brake cylinder? Rebuild kits not expensive.

[grog]

Agree Andre.

[bikerface]

Agree Andre.

Is it a fairly easy job?

[KiwiCol]

I'd say yes, just dis-assemble, replace parts & re-assemble & bleed. Just the usual, don't spill the fluid on the paint etc, no drama.

[grog]

Mate never done a 14 master but im sure instructions on here somewhere. Have don lots of others, just common sense.

[gsxbarmy]

The only real tool you need for doing the master cylinder seals is a decent set of circlip pliers, other than that its a straight forward job.

Before you swap out the master cylinder seals though, just take out the pads and gently rub sime fine wet and dry across them to just take the top surface off, likewise do the same with the discs. Always possible you picked up some crud which has contaminated the pads, cleaning the pad and discs themselves should help clear this. Also make sure all the bobbins on both discs move freely, as the discs are floating discs and if they don't float properly, they won't work as they should.

In fact I'd clean the bobbins first, simple job. http://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=211.0

[Andre]

Is it a fairly easy job?

The only real tool you need for doing the master cylinder seals is a decent set of circlip pliers, other than that its a straight forward job.

Yes, it is a fairly easy job. Like Dave said, you need decent circlip pliers.

[Del]

just a wee tip (fnarr Fnarr) before you start to strip stuff off - have you tried bleeding from the master cylinder

wrap cloths around the banjo bolt at the master cylinder then pump the lever 3 or 4 times and crack the banjo (14mm I think) - do this a few times you would be amazed at the air that is trapped in the lines - keep reservoir topped up

once completed clean everything off - I use window cleaner to neutralise the area

Good Luck

Del

[Hooli]

If you need to rebuild your six pots every six months you're either a courier or something is wrong. I do mine every other year or so & my 14 averages 10k a year.

[bikerface]

If you need to rebuild your six pots every six months you're either a courier or something is wrong. I do mine every other year or so & my 14 averages 10k a year.

I think I genuinely had a duff set!

[bikerface]

just a wee tip (fnarr Fnarr) before you start to strip stuff off - have you tried bleeding from the master cylinder

wrap cloths around the banjo bolt at the master cylinder then pump the lever 3 or 4 times and crack the banjo (14mm I think) - do this a few times you would be amazed at the air that is trapped in the lines - keep reservoir topped up

once completed clean everything off - I use window cleaner to neutralise the area

Good Luck

Del

Thanks for that tip may try it, not sure my window cleaner will be too happy cleaning up all my mess though? 

[Red Biker]

I can relate entirely to this thread,a good tip on general maintenance is once a week get it up on stands so you can spin the wheels and drizzle soapy water into the calipers to wash crud away then rinse with house whilst spinning. Just prevents crap building up and burning onto discs or pads


Red

[gsxbarmy]

I can relate entirely to this thread,a good tip on general maintenance is once a week get it up on stands so you can spin the wheels and drizzle soapy water into the calipers to wash crud away then rinse with house whilst spinning. Just prevents crap building up and burning onto discs or pads


Red

Rinse with house - ye gods! Still you learn something new every day 

[Hooli]

I can relate entirely to this thread,a good tip on general maintenance is once a week get it up on stands so you can spin the wheels and drizzle soapy water into the calipers to wash crud away then rinse with house whilst spinning. Just prevents crap building up and burning onto discs or pads


Red

Rinse with house - ye gods! Still you learn something new every day