Topic: Front Brake help/suggestions?

[js360T]

new member here. I've been reading lots of posts to help me with my bike, so i appreciate it!

I recently got a 1975 CB360T. The front brakes are stuck or seized or something. When you squeeze the front brake, the pads grab and stick and don't come back. I've done some research on the topic and thought I needed a rebuild kit. I checked the piston (but have not had time to fully remove it) by pushing in on it and noticed it still sprung back. So my question is.. do you guys think I need to rebuild the master cylinder or do you think the problem is funky gunky caliper? the dude i got the bike from said he bled the brakes.. but I'm not real sure he had his shoes on the right (correct) feet.

I'll attach a pic of it. as far as i know it's been restored, but not by the feller I got it from!

[d3buttz]

i first would clean/take apart put back together the caliper, and see if it was the problem, if it doesnt work, then i would order a rebuild kit- theyre cheap.( if you do get a set of circlip tools or you will never get it apart.) or clean up the MC and lines, if he bled it a bunch of dried dot3 might have clogged the MC.

[Gordon]

Agreed.  Clean out the caliper and make sure to remove the piston seal and thoroughly clean out the groove it sits in.  Gunk builds up behind it causing it to bind the piston and keep it from fully retracting. 

[js360T]

thanks guys! i'll start with cleaning it and hope that works!

[js360T]

well, i got the front brake caliper apart and cleaned it. it really wasn't gunked up at all. i cleaned any rust off the caliper and pad. i did notice along the edges of the pad lots of gouges and scratches. looked like the pad was rubbing. (this could be normal since it's my first time working with brakes.. just wanted to mention it to make sure.
    i put it back together and have tried bleeding it but am not having any luck. it doesn't seem to build up any pressure squeezing the brake lever with the bleeder valve closed. any ideas on what this means? I've been told everything from try bleeding it first, to master cylinder rebuild, to collapsed brake lines. i kinda don't know where to begin so i've come to the experts. thanks, any help will be greatly appreciated.