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Intermittent rear brake problem

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  • #1

    Intermittent rear brake problem

    Hey fellas,

    I was wondering if any of you have had an issue with your back brake not working at times? It's happened once or twice in the past few years where randomly, for about 20-30 minutes, the back brake is unresponsive, the foot control pushes all the way down with no resistance. I would lay off of it for a while, engine brake the rear wheel while front braking. Obviously not the preferred way to ride. Recently though, it's been happening more frequently, to the point that I don't trust riding it. I don't see any fluid leaking, but does anyone have any other suggestions? Or a part I could replace to fix the issue? I was going to take the bike in for front fork seal replacements anyways, if I can get the part ahead of time, I can just have them slap it on while it's in the shop.

    Thanks,
    Michael
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    1979 XS1100 Special - "Viera"
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Sounds like some type of air leak, etc. Check your bleed valve to make sure it's tight. I'd rebuild the rear caliper and master cylinder. Easy thing to do by yourself on the cheap. Dealer labor would be silly to pay for.
    1979 XS1100F
    2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

    Comment

    • #3
      Originally posted by IanDMacDonald View Post
      Sounds like some type of air leak, etc. Check your bleed valve to make sure it's tight. I'd rebuild the rear caliper and master cylinder. Easy thing to do by yourself on the cheap. Dealer labor would be silly to pay for.
      Thanks Ian, where's the bleed valve? I haven't touched the brake systems before, so I'm flying blind in that regard.
      _____________________________________________

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      1979 XS1100 Special - "Viera"

      Comment

      • #4
        Rear Brake

        Originally posted by 8SpadeEpiphany View Post
        Thanks Ian, where's the bleed valve? I haven't touched the break systems before, so I'm flying blind in that regard.
        I believe that Ian is referring to the bleeder valve on the caliper. Your problem is likely the rear master cylinder bypassing on occasion. As Ian stated, it is best to rebuild both master cylinder and caliper at the same time.

        Parts are readily available.
        1981 XS1100H Venturer
        K&N Air Filter
        ACCT
        Custom Paint by Deitz
        Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
        Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
        Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
        Stebel Nautilus Horn
        EBC Front Rotors
        Limie Accent Moves On In 2015

        Mike

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by MPittma100 View Post
          I believe that Ian is referring to the bleeder valve on the caliper. Your problem is likely the rear master cylinder bypassing on occasion. As Ian stated, it is best to rebuild both master cylinder and caliper at the same time.

          Parts are readily available.
          Definitely sounds like the master cylinder piston seal is weak or broken. By leaving it alone the pressure is probably equalizing allowing it to go back to its original position. Don't quote me on that, though.
          78 E - 2to1 exhaust, dynatek coils, special headlight [SOLD!]
          79 F - gas tank refurb, headgasket change, straight pipes, late model carbs, virago lowering shocks, special headlight and gauges, TC fuse block, GSXR-1100 carbs (WIP)


          "May my tires not fail me, nor my engine grow cold"

          Comment

          • #6
            D0wn5h1ft, I won't quote ya but your assumption is most likely the culprit.
            1980 XS1100G "Dolly G" Full Dresser (with a coat of many colors )
            1979 XS1100SF (stock-euro mods planned)
            1984 XV700L Virago (to be hot-modded)
            1983 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim (semi-restored DD)
            1977 XS650D ( patiently awaiting resto)

            Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you can think straight.

            Comment

            • #7
              I had a similar issue a few years ago when the brake lever wasn't returning like it was supposed to. Rust in the tube the shaft runs through was causing it to stick sometimes and intermittent no rear brake.

              See if the brake light is staying on when this happens and be certain the shaft the foot lever slides onto is moving freely.
              Greg

              Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

              ― Albert Einstein

              80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

              The list changes.

              Comment

              • #8
                It does sound like you have crap in the system, or worn out seals in the MC. If you have money to throw at a dealer to do the work, and good for you if you do, then buy some rebuild kits for the rear MC and the caliper while your at it. USUALLY...I did say usually...the rubber parts are in good nick and can be reused. Its dirt and buildup that usually causes the problems in these systems.

                So yes, take it all apart, clean the MC, caliper, and might was well pull the brake lever then and clean and grease that spot BA mentioned while your this deep in it. Once you have the MC pulled, it is pretty simple and easy to get the brake lever off and then push that mech out of the frame.
                Life is what happens while your planning everything else!

                When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.

                81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
                80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection


                Previously owned
                93 GSX600F
                80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
                81 XS1100 Special
                81 CB750 C
                80 CB750 C
                78 XS750

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                • #9
                  Strip and rebuild the caliper and the master cylinder, all in one go. It's not difficult. I'd say it's the master cylinder internal seals or the spooge hole being blocked. In any event, for all the seal kits cost, you'd be advised to replace everything in one go.
                  XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Yup, just make sure u have a good pair of long-reach ID snap ring pliers. I ground mine down. Eventually I'll buy the right tool.
                    1979 XS1100F
                    2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Just to add to the other points of interest, make sure the brake hose and steel line is clear and in good shape or better yet replace it.
                      1980 XS1100G "Dolly G" Full Dresser (with a coat of many colors )
                      1979 XS1100SF (stock-euro mods planned)
                      1984 XV700L Virago (to be hot-modded)
                      1983 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim (semi-restored DD)
                      1977 XS650D ( patiently awaiting resto)

                      Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you can think straight.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Thanks everyone, anyone have a link to a cheap rebuild kit?
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                        _____________________________________________

                        1979 XS1100 Special - "Viera"

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          78 - 81 XS1100 REAR MASTER CYLINDER REBUILD KIT

                          I'll let you search for the caliper kit. I think most everybody likes Georgefixs.com
                          Marty (in Mississippi)
                          XS1100SG
                          XS650SK
                          XS650SH
                          XS650G
                          XS6502F
                          XS650E

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Thanks, ordered!
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                            1979 XS1100 Special - "Viera"

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              I swear this forum keeps my bike alive!
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                              1979 XS1100 Special - "Viera"

                              Comment

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