Brake Lever!

[alexanderfoti]

Hi All

I have just aquired a 1980 Honda Superdream.

The first issue on the agenda is that the brakes dont work. (I have no idea how it passed MOT!)

When pulling the front brake the bit point is when the lever is nearly hitting the brakes. I suspect they just need a good bleed but im worried it might be the seals or something seing as its 31 years old!)

Any ideas?

[eastanglianbiker]

is there any sign of brake fluid seeping out anywhere,also might be the hoses are expanding when lever pulled due to the age of them,check fluid level and as you pul the lever in can you see the brake hose expanding anywhere,if so new brake hose is needed and then full bleed up of the brake

[Guest Hodgy]

Sounds as though it needs bleeding, it should be done every couple of years anyway as brake fluid absorbs moisture. If you don't know the history of the bike, now could be a good time to replace the seals too

[whitedevil]

Take the calipers off, pads out and have a look at the condition of the pistons and seals.

It might not be nessesary to strip the calipers but i would at least pump the pistons out (not all the way) and see if they are seized. Then polish them up and grease them, then push them back in.

If you do this right they will be free moving again and both move out at the same time.

Then bleed the system untill you have replaced al the fluid with new dot 4.

If you get stuck post here and we'll help.

get the manual here

[alexanderfoti]

Perfect!

It doesnt appear to be leaking fluid from any of the joints.

I suspect it needs a bleed and as I am unaware of its history I will be doing this first.

I agree on the line issue, if its no better afterbleeding I will replace the old rubber lines. Odd thing is that the bite point is very close to the bars so I am suspecting the seals are stuck.

[Colin the Bear]

Old hoses stretch, replace them with braided ones