Topic: Brake M/C leak fix?

[jkot55]

After riding I find some brake fluid on the underside of the brake lever.  The level does not seem to go down (must be very slight) and the brake lever is NOT spongy, seems firm.  Is this an indication the the M/C needs to be rebuilt?  If so, what is involved with that?  I have seen the kits on various sites. 

Thank you

JK

[jhasewhite]

Brake fluid is nasty stuff, and will eat through paint within a few hours. I usually rebuild one the second I see fluid leaking. You can pick up a brake master cylinder rebuild kit with a new piston and seals for about $40. Just be sure to buy a quality set of expanding ring pliers (not at Kragen!) with long straight jaws to get the piston circlip out, as it can be a little tricky. After that it's a pretty straightforward job. Be sure to clean every passage very well, and try not to scratch the M/C bore. Re-assemble, bleed and ride. It should take about 1.5 hours to do correctly.

-j

[KingCustomCycles.com]

You may just need a disassemble and clean.  I try that first before spending the $40 and have had good luck.  If you find anything torn or scratched, it is $40.00 time, or another used unit plus the 40.

[jkot55]

That might be a good idea.  I just tore it down, cleaned, and reassembled it.  I refilled, bled and have pressure on the lever for overnight.  We'll see what happens.  Everything looked servicable, just a bit cruddy.