I took my rear brake caliper off my 2006 Sportster to replace rear brake pads. I didn’t open the bleeder screw or loosen any lines. I installed the pads and bolted caliper on. Now the caliper pumps out and touches the pads but I have no pedal and no pressure on pads. I have tried to bleed the system for three days but get no air and no fluid, when I crack open bleeder but if you push caliper piston in it will pump back out till it touches then no pressure and no petal, it’s like there is no fluid in system. I have reverse bleed and tied down the brake petal overnight with bleeder screw open with no progress. Do you have any suggestions?
Hello Rayburn,
Remove caliper and as much of the line as possible from the m/c and get it as low as possible, then bleed. Try as many methods as available. Make sure correct DOT fluid is being used and is in the system. If none of this works, remove the m/c and rebuild most likely when pistons were pushed back the rubber seal on the plunger may have twisted or flipped inside out, also depending on mileage there may be a build up of debris or sedimentation in the system. Rebuild, flush, and bleed you should be fine. Wrench Safe, FMH
Not just a blocked bleed-screw? Said you got no air or fluid out.
check the little hole/s in the bleeder screw and caliper for debris/rust....blow out all the parts in the brake system with compressed air if you have it...hope this helps....!
Sometimes on older bikes the inner brake line gets weak and when you try to bleed and pump them up the inner collapses and does not allow fluid to flow. You might get one pump then the line collapses and no fluid flow and brakes might stay engaged or no engagement at all. May need to change the cable.
Hi. I've got a 1986 883 Sportster. I've been trying to get my rear brake to work properly and I'm wondering if the caliper is bad, or the master is bad or clogged? When I take the caliper off, I use a C-clamp to open it up all the way. I than insert my clips and pads and than bolt it back on. When I try pumping the brake pedal, it doesn't seem like I'm getting any pressure build up. What does happen though is my brakes seem to be locking up so that I cant even roll the bike. Am I doing something wrong? Any help would be appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving!
When i accelerate feels my clutch is holding back a little what wrong