No Rear Brakes

[WillRotten]

I've had my '04 Firebolt 1200R for 7 months now and noticed the other day that the rear brake was not functioning. I engine brake a lot so I don't know if it has been this way since I bought it or new problem.

Where do I start diagnosing the problem?

 

[user_deleted]

very simple to diagnose. components are simple nissin components. before you touch anything look at master cylinder...hose connection....hose....hose to caliper connection....caliper. dampness anywhere? you have a fluid leak. dry? then remove master cylinder fluid cap. reservoir dry? you have a leak somewhere. check again.
some fluid in the reservoir? the master cylinder stopped working and/or system airbound. fill reservoir to proper level with dot -4 fluid....NOT dot-5....and attempt to bleed the system. no pressure and no air movement thru caliper bleeder valve? the master cylinder needs rebuilt/replaced.

 

[Chicknstripn]

+1 what lunatic said!
Also check the adjustment and fittings down by the right foot peg. If it's not adjusted correctly you won't get much braking force.
Also, If the brake sensor/switch had been replaced in the past and the copper washers were not you might have a leak there.
Check your service manual for adjustment and trouble shooting procedure. Shouldn't be too hard for you to fix.
Oh and also check that you pads are actually serviceable. Within wear limits and what not.

 

[user_deleted]

my pleasure and always happy to help. for what it's worth if you find that the reservoir(area under fluid retention cap) is empty i would stop right there and search out your leak. the fluid did not evaporate...it went somewhere. if you find some fluid in the reservoir and think replenishing the system with fresh fluid and bleeding it will work i can walk you thru it. it is tedious. if you can generate no hydraulic pressure with your brake pedal whatsoever i would replace the master cylinder. they are tedious and tempermental to rebuild correctly.

 

[thrstrmech]

^^ what they said

...also have you noticed any birds eye like spots underneath the seat or on the left side of the bike anywhere? may want to check the reservoir cap itself was properly installed...ask me how I know honest mistake, but on a Lightning, the reservoir isn't located in a user friendly position as the Firebolt. just another possibility for the brakes not working.

 

[WillRotten]

Reservoir has plenty of fluid. Before I have a master cylinder replaced, how would I know if the caliper or brake sensor/switch is shot?

 

[lowkey]

Turn the bike on so the tail light is on and push the rear brake pedal, it should light up brighter. If you do end up needing to replace parts I have a complete rear brake setup that is sealed and ready to go I could sell you cheap. Caliper W/pads brake line and rear master cylinder/foot pedal lever all hooked up/bled, you could just unbolt your stuff and bolt this setup on.

 

[apsolus]

dayum looks like hes got you covered, lucky!

 

[WillRotten]

BINGO lowkey, the rear brake pedal does not light up the brake light. Does this mean it's the switch?

 

[WillRotten]

Lowkey, I'm sensing I need your set up. What am I looking at and how soon could I get it?

 

[lowkey]

I'm sending you a PM right now bud. Check your in box under "my messages", its at the top just under the banner in the blue bar to the left of the search bar.[up]

 

[WillRotten]

Bumping this back up. ISO a new rear brake system for my '04 Firebolt 1200R. The one I purchased didn't line up with the mounting bolts. I guess they are specific to the firebolt. Anyone? I'll start searching eBay, but thought I'd have better luck here buying one that fit.

 

[WillRotten]

I found this one, but thought I should replace the whole caliper and all. I could remove the master cylinder from the one I purchased and use my existing caliper... What's best? I'm not much of a mechanic. My dad used to advise me.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-04-10-...188-/281752161806?hash=item4199bcce0e&vxp=mtr

 

[ztied]

If theres no pressure in the brake system the light will not work, but it dont quite mean the switch is bad. Is the pressure switch wet at the top.

 

[WillRotten]

The light didn't work, but I first noticed the brake stopped working. Upon further inspection the wiring to the light (at the foot brake) has broken off. I'm sure it's the master cylinder, but if I'm changing that, shouldn't I change the caliper? I have a master cylinder, light switch with a caliper from another model Buell that doesn't line up. However the master cylinder and brake light switch should swap out fine.

 

[ztied]

Press the brake pedal down 5-10 times and hold it down, crack the pressure switch bolt open a little, and see if you get a squirt of fluid, or if it just leaks out, and if there is bubbles.then tighten and release the brake pedal, now do this a few times, you should start to feel pressure on the brake switch, and see if the brake light lights up, after u fix the wires. If nothing yet, pump and hold the brake pedal, and bleed the caliper a few times, you want the fluid to squirt out with pressure and not air or bubbles. Make sure to keep the reservior full of fluid while you do this.

 

[WillRotten]

I'm an idiot. Take the bracket off and it fits just perfect.

 

[rchuff]

**** happens but take your time.