Topic: Yep...new guy, 'nother brake question

[Nortstudio]

So after getting my new bike today, looking her over better than I had been able to at the sellers house, there are a few things need addressing sooner than later.

Top priority: Front Brake.  This is the first 2-wheeled anything that I have owned with disk brakes, so I am beyond new here.  The Front Brake lever barely pulls, it's very, very tight.  When I tested the bike, it worked OK, but not what I was expecting.  It comes nowhere near back to the bar - and although I know that it should not come back SO easy, it really doesn't want to come back at all.  I figured time for bleeding and new oil.  Then I noticed that the bleeder is really rusted, and doesn't look like it will come loose without snapping it like a twig (looks like someone may have tried).  So before I move on, I'd love to try bleeding the brakes first, but need to see if possible without the bleeder?

I found an old post that mentioned bleeding without using the caliper bleeder, but the link it pointed to wants to open a text file that is gibberish.  

Does anyone know the link to such a procedure???

I'm in the process of reading the FAQ about the overhaul to the whole front brake too, so i will be moving on from here, if I can try a bleed/fresh oil first.

Thanks in advance.

[haggeo]

http://www.cyclemaintenance.com/mechicscorner/cb750_brakes.htm

this is a start. it's not a super difficult job.

here is a video.

[Nortstudio]

Thanks so much!  Videos even better.

[Nortstudio]

Does the super tight brake lever sound like it's just a bleed issue, or should I go ahead and buy a MC rebuild kit to be safe?

Thanks

[ekpent]

I think you should really work on getting the bleeder valve out so in the future you will be able to do a proper bleed. Use penetrating oil and heat,be patient. If the bike has been sitting for any long period your caliper should come off and be split and cleaned,pads and piston hang up and cause a bad feeling at the handle and brakes drag.You will get a better assesment on the master while doing the first chore.

[Nortstudio]

It hasn't been sitting, but the owner obviously let some things go. The brakes do stop me, I just want to make sure I'm getting the most out of them. The hard lever just doesn't seem like "the most."

Sounds like good advice. I will work on the blessed, take things one at a time. Don't want to get ahead of myself.

What heat source do you use?

Thanks.

[ekpent]

On something like that I would use just a hand held propane torch. Aluminum expands quicker than steel,just some moderate heat to help break the bond and not damage the rubber seal or aluminum.

[Nortstudio]

Thanks so much for your help.  I have a new bleeder valve on the way.  Wish me luck!

[Toxic]

for what it's worth ...  the most frustrating thing I tried to do on my bike was rebuild that effing master cylinder.  The best thing I did was buy a brand new one for $69.00.