XJ1100J Front Brake Problem

[japablaz]

Hi All.

I just got a 1982's Yamaha Maxim XJ1100J. This bike is in pretty good shape, but it has a problem with the front brake. I took the brake line off and installed on my old XJ650, and found no problem with the brake, so I discarded any problem with the brake line. Next, I removed the left brake line and attached to the XJ1100's right caliper. When I pressed the brake pedal, I saw that the cylinder has compression, which lead me to discard a problem with the caliper. So, I concentrated my research on the master cylinder. The first time I removed the m/c cap, I found that the fluid was solidifying (very nasty). I removed the fluid and cleaned the cylinder, and then I filled it with new, fresh, clean brake fluid. However, the m/c is just pushing air through the brake line. Finally, I remove all the small parts from the XJ650's m/c (rubbers, spring, piston, etc) and installed on the XJ1100, but I still have the same problem. Any suggestion? all the m/c parts look very good (diaphragm, screws, threads, bolts, washers) and I dont want to get a new m/c kit until I'm sure that that is the problem. (Yamaha parts are very expensive, you know)

Thanks in advance.

BTW, here's the pic of my new baby.

[DiverRay]

The XJ has a LINKED brake system. The rear brake pedal ALSO operates one FRONT brake caliper!

Finally, I remove all the small parts from the XJ650's m/c (rubbers, spring, piston, etc) and installed on the XJ1100, but I still have the same problem. Any suggestion?

You probably NEED to "bench bleed" the master. Take the brake hose off the master, and put your finger LOOSELY over the hose fitting. Pull the handle to put the brakes on, and then TIGHTEN your finger over the hole to keep any air out. After about five or six times, the naster should start working normally.

[Cobia]

XJ Brakes

Hey Ray, "naster" is that a new word combining nasty and master? Sounds appropiate in this case!!!

Back to the brakes, hey Japa, the brake pedal operates the rear and left front caliper. Many around here have modified their systems to operate both front calipers with the hand lever, but you have to install a larger mc. I don't have a problem with the original set up on mine and kind of like it.

And Ray is totally correct with his advice on bench bleeding.

[Axel]

Spooge hole

Search 'spooge hole" for some more tips

[CatatonicBug]

The MNS has the same linked brake system, and though I finally got mine to work after several hours of frustration, I would suggest a mity-vac bleeder for that system. The hard metal tube that runs under the fuel tank tends to collect air even while bleeding, so you never get the compression you need. If you suck the fluid through the lines at a high enough speed, the air doesn't have time to settle at the high point in the line, and it will go much faster. Just be aware that the MC doesn't hold a lot of fluid, so you have to watch the level and don't let it run dry.

Definitely be sure to bench-bleed the MC before you put it on the bike too. As strange as it may sound, it makes a big difference. Nice bike, and welcome to the forum, BTW!

[japablaz]

thanks for the inputs, guys. this bench bleeding thing worked, so my bike's brake is pretty good.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Hey, Japa...

I also wanted to say welcome to the forum!!! Us XJ guys gotta stick together!!! LOL Nice lookin' wheels.
Regards,
Bob