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Gs850 gl front brakes won't work

  • Thread starter Thread starter AxleDostalek
  • Start date Start date
A

AxleDostalek

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Hello this is my first post on this forum. I need some help and advice on what I should do to get the front brakes working. I have taken both sides apart and it seems like the calipers are seized up. I got the master cylinder working and getting brake fluid to the calipers but they still won't move. When I got this gs it had been sitting for years and it was completely dry inside the master cylinder. It took me about two hours to get the plunger moving with the brake lever smoothly. Now there is just no pressure when I squeeze. Any suggestions? Thank you.
 
No pressure when you squeeze normally means air in the system.

Have you bled the brakes? I assume you have put them back together?

BTW - your caliper pistons are most likely corroded and beyond repair if the bike has been sitting for years. You can pop them out with compressed air.
 
Thoroughly clean your calipers and master cylinder making sure to replace all of the bits inside each. I would also replace the brake lines with, preferably, new stainless steel ones. Make sure you bleed the master before attempting to bleed the brake calipers like Hillsy said.
 
Hello and thank you for the responses. Yes I have put them back together but I did not take the piston out of the caliper. I did not know I could do that. I did not want to get in too deep and be SOL. So today after work I will take them apart again and pop the piston out and lightly sand with wet 600 grit and let dry then put back together with some new brake fluid and see if that gets them working. Thank you for your help! Have a great day.
 
AxleDostalek said:
Hello and thank you for the responses. Yes I have put them back together but I did not take the piston out of the caliper. I did not know I could do that. I did not want to get in too deep and be SOL. So today after work I will take them apart again and pop the piston out and lightly sand with wet 600 grit and let dry then put back together with some new brake fluid and see if that gets them working. Thank you for your help! Have a great day.
Click to expand...

If there are pits in the pistons after you've sanded off the muck, the seal will get chewed up and leak. I'm not sure if you can fill them in with JB weld and smooth them out or not. I had to get new pistons for mine.
 
With respect you really need to do this correctly do not take any risks if the bike has been laid up that long it really needs a complete overhaul on these brakes as touched on by other posts new seal kit for master cylinder and calipers new Pistons (if required) and clean out or replace brake lines personally I would replace with stainless hose. I use a grease gun to remove really stuck Pistons as you can generate more pressure just get a grease nipple the same thread as the bleed screw and pump away.
 
Okay guys here is my update. First thank you all for your help and advice. I have taken the pistons out of the calipers and cleaned them both lubed them with brake fluid and slid them back in. I also took out the o ring and cleaned that also as well as inside the calipers. Now I am still having a very easy time pulling the brake lever and no action down at the brakes yet. When I open the bleeder and pull the lever I do hear the air so I know the plunger in the master cylinder is sliding. I don't have the money right now to replace the lines with steel braided, that is down the road. What should I do next? Thank you.
 
Now I think you need to search about bleeding brakes.
There are many methods described here (use the search box "bleed brakes" or online.
I hate to admit it but I am currently having a hard time getting a firm handle on my front brake. I have bled a dozen bike brakes before and have had little if any problems. This one is trouble. I started with a brand new dry system (rebuilt brakes, new lines, new master cylinder).....all the regular bleeding methods have failed. I have resorted to removing the master cylinder and both calipers and taking them to the workbench so I can raise the caliper bleeders to the highest point and more easily push the air out.
Like I said, research bleeding brakes and you will find a variety of methods (vaccuum, syringe, reverse bleeding)
Usually if you just keep at it the air comes out or you find another problem you didn't see before. Don't feel bad , I've heard of plenty of people struggle with bleeding brakes for days to figure it out.
 
Thank you all!!! I would be lost and angry if I did not know about this forum. You all are making this easier for me, I appreciate all the knowledge you throw at me. I will be able to purchase that mini vac this weekend after my side job. I will keep you posted with details.
 
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