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Reason for editing: Last Edit: June 10, 2022, 09:53:25 AM by gwilki

Back again, Chief. I got the kit today got the new seals on and the master cylinder back on the bike. I have been playing with this for a couple of hours and I cannot for the life of me get this thing to bleed.

Here is what I've done. I have vac bleeder so with the top off the cylinder, I drew a vacuum at the caliper and opened the bleeder. After a couple of tries, I got fluid in the container. I topped up the master cylinder and put the top back on. Then, I tried bleeding by pumping the lever and opening the bleeder valve. I could not get anything at all. The lever goes to the handle bar. The caliper is not moving at all.

When I had the master cylinder apart, I checked both of the holes in the bottom of the cylinder. The large one was easy to clean. I have jewellers drill bits, and I was able to confirm the tiny hole was clear using one of them.

Update: This morning, I loosened the banjo bolt at the caliper and pulled the brake lever. Nothing came out.

I am at my wit's end. Any thoughts, PLEASE.

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Posted by gwilki

- June 07, 2022, 06:03:21 AM

Thanks much, Chief. I found a local source who can order the kit, priced at only ~$32. It should be here by the end of the week. I'll close this with a report on how I make out.

Posted by chief

- June 06, 2022, 16:37:17 PM

First, triple check everything. I'd go ahead and replace the seals... they are supposed to be evaluated and replaced every 4 years. Also make sure all the passages and ports in the master and caliper pins and bushings are thoroughly cleaned. Could be a debris problem. If one of the ports/pin holes in the master is clogged you will have problems.

Posted by gwilki

- June 06, 2022, 15:36:50 PM

Last Fall, I replaced the brake line, brake pads and new fluid. At the start of this riding season, all was well.

Two days ago, I noticed that the lever was almost touching the grip to get the brakes to engage. The master cylinder was full. I bled the brakes again and got a bit of improvement, but not enough. I stopped work for the day. Today, I pulled the lever and nothing. Master cylinder is full.

I suspect that the seals/piston, being 22 years old, are not holding pressure in the system.

There is a rebuild kit available here in Canada for ~ $55.

Given the symptoms and what I've done so far, can someone here please tell me if you believe that I am on the right track believing the master cylinder needs a re-build?

thank you

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