Mushy Rear Brakes

[eff]

Everyone usually posts about mushy front brakes, well mine are the rear.

I bled both front and rear brakes last night. The front worked out real well. They are have great feel and very firm stopping power.

The rear is another story. I think it started last year and not over the winter because I can remember riding a few times and thinking they needed adjusting. I know, shame on me for not paying more attention. Last night I pumped out all the old fluid and continued to try and bleed them until they were nice and firm (I have new pads on there too.) No matter how hard I tried I could not get them to firm up. I can push the lever way down and they never "pump" up. Even though I use the old fashioned pump the brake lever method to bleed the brakes I don't think that is my problem.

Of course, rebuilding the master cylinder is an option and if that is what it needs I'll do it, but is there anything else I should look for first? Any other troubleshooting ideas?

Thanks for the help.

 

[PEB]

Most likely their is still air in the system. I have excellent results with a 30cc syringe and some tubing. Draw fluid out of the caliper till the syrings is full and then inject it back into the system through the bleed nipple. I have found this method drives bubbles back up the line and out the top quite well. With the caliper off the disc you could aslo pump the pads againt each other and then drive them apart forcing fluid back up th line as well.

Paul B

 

[eff]

Thanks. I'm not sure where to find a syringe. I have been looking. I'll try bleeding again and see if I can find a syringe.

 

[fury1]

I have one ed if you need it,let me know

 

[eff]

Thanks Kevin. I'll let you know.

 

[pwerner]

My 05 300 rear brakes just got mushy and we tried to bleed for quite some time before realizing the master cylinder needs to be rebuilt. Does anyone know were to get a kit or if there's a crossover from another bike?

 

[Nick]

Make sure the pads are in correctly. Possible for a pad to not be in its place and make you crazy trying to bleed it.

 

[eff]

Thanks. I'm going to work them one night this week and see if I can get them to firm up.

 

[LAWMAN]

I get those syringes at Wal-Mart, 2 for ~$3, including a piece of fuel line. look in the automotive section.

 

[eff]

No kidding? I'll look next time I'm there. What automotive stuff is it near?

Thanks

 

[LAWMAN]

back there by all the fluids, on a card in a blister pack.

 

[eff]

Thanks. I'll take a look.

 

[eff]

Well I bled them out again tonight. A big old air bubble was in there, not that should come a surprise to anyone. The brakes are rock solid now!