Dirty Brake Line

[cywelchjr]

The calipers are really simple, just a chamber with two holes, one for the in from the MC and the other for the bleeder. The only other thing is where the square o-ring goes which needs to be cleaned of any dirt and corrosion. Other than that, they are dead simple. The master cylinder is a little more complex with the spooge hole, but even it is pretty simple compared to a carb.

[xs1100newb]

Great. This is currently the only thing holding me back from taking a ride. As soon as I get these calipers back on the bike is ready for a spin around the block.


Thanks,
Adam

[crazy steve]

Nope, the single-piston calipers on these bikes are pretty basic. You've seen all there is to see .

When you get the master cylinders, it's a different story. Both have several small holes that have to be clear to function right, and these can be a PITA to clean. On these, any 'gunk' left in the system can be a real problem; that's why it's so important to get the system clean....

[crazy steve]

Here's the master cylinder problem explained...http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14

Note that he's doing this without disassembling the cylinder. The only problem with this is you don't know what's inside the bore. If you have any crud in there, this will quickly clog again, so it's best to just bite the bullet and fully disassemble and clean them. Then you know it's good, and won't have to worry about jammed brakes...

[xs1100newb]

Ok. So I am almost done cleaning the pistons, then afterwards I will clean the hoses and master cylinders.

Is there a way to test the brakes before I jump on the bike and take off? Obviously, I can engange the break and push the bike and see if it moves, but that really wont tell me if its going to work at 60 mph on the highway.


Adam

[petejw]

as long as u have a fairly solid lever,
thats a good start, then ride it slowly
to check that the brakes are working,
did u put new pads in?
if so the'lly need to be bedded in,


also if uve cleaned the m/c u'll want to bleed it,
i do this on the bench stuck in a vice,
before attaching it to the handle bars.

[crazy steve]

If you have a firm lever/pedal after you reassemble and bleed the brakes and you don't have greasy/oily pads you should be fine.