| Author | Message | ||
     Firstbatch |
Posted this question on the KV but want to see if other Uly owners have this issue. My front brake lever travels a full inch before engagement and then it is pretty abrupt. Did a Might-vac bleed with no improvement. Is this condition consistent with other Uly's or within normal spec? My other rides have a more linear feel from the start of the lever pull. Is it possible I have a defective master cylinder? | ||
| Josh_cox |
Before trying to replace the master cylinder, try looking at the pistons in the brake caliper. If they appear to have a lot of dirt and grime on them, they may not be moving freely as designed. To fix this problem, take the caliper off and push the pistons out all of the way with the pads installed one side at a time. Clean the pistons with brake cleaner and a q-tip. This should allow them to move freely again solving the problem. This was a common issue that we ran into with the H-D's in 05. For some reason, H-D was putting the brakes together with an assembly grease instead of brake fluid. This grease was getting dirty and making the pistons stick in unless you pumped the lever several times. It created an issue where it required more lever movement just like you are describing. Hopefully that is it. If not, then you may have a master cylinder issue. Josh | ||
| Firstbatch |
Ok, that sounds like an item worth investigating. Maybe while I'm at the caliper I will install some Lyndal pads. Thanks! I have the Lever zip tied to the grip now seeing if I can coax any small bubbles out. One item to note is while I was doing the bleed job and squeezing the lever and the master cylinder cover off....I could see the piston moving in the one hole at the bottom of the MC and the other hole would gently shoot "up" a flow of fluid. I assume this is normal MC operation?? This upward flow of fluid out of the second hole would occur during the first 1" of lever travel. | ||
| Firstbatch |
Ok, looks like the over night pressure technique work. The test ride provided a firm lever with a real good feel. Freeplay travel is more like 1/2" and seems right. Now I think I can enjoy the brakes that others on the forum give top marks. There is something very satisfying when the brake system on a bike operate at a high level  |
