Topic: brake lever hardness and center stand problem

[spaceboy412]

hi i have a 78550k, i recently assembled the front brakes which were empty, they do work but progressively over time the handle has gotten so tough to pull back, we did not bleed them through the bleeder but through the master cylinder resevoir. Would bleeding this with the bleeder soften this up, is it possible i have too much fluid or something?

Also my centerstand iis rubbing up against my new, tight chain, i do not see an adjustment screw, am i missing it, where should it be?

[TwoTired]

I guess you don't have the stock pipes anymore.  There is a bumper stop on the stock exhaust to keep the Center stand away from the chain.  You'll have to fabricate some kind of replacement stop to take its place.

I'm not sure I understand the brake lever complaint.  A hard lever is usually desired, as all the lever pressure translates into brake disc pressure and indicates a sytem totally bled of air.  But, perhaps you over tightened the pivot bolt for the lever?  Does it return to at rest position easily?
Or, perhaps the brake pads and disk are contaminated with brake fluid, grease, fork oil, or silicone lube?  A reduction of friction down there would mean higher handle pressures to get effective braking friction.

If the pads were ever contaminated, surface cleaning is ineffective.  They are porous and when they get hot the contamination oozes out again and acts as a lube.  Replace with new pads and take care not to contaminate them.  Oh, and thoroughly clean your brake disk, too.  Clean with a solvent that doesn't leave a residue and dry completely.

[dpen]

If you're playing with brakes, don't do half a job.
If the reservoir was empty for a while the brake fluid in the lines & wheel cylinder should be a nice mucky, aerated mess.
With a bit of luck you won't have to strip & clean things.
Bleed through the bleeder nipple(s).
If twin disk, bleed the left side first (furthest away from the master cylinder).
Bleed through the nipples until nice clean brake fluid comes out.
Don't let the master cylinder run out of fluid.
I'd be inclined to rebuild the caliper(s) & put a kit through the master cylinder as a tightening lever generally means a bit of gunk is blocking a compensating port.
Then again, as mentioned, is the lever too tight?
Dave

[number13]

Also be sure to check your brake hoses - old hoses can swell inside, which
obviously restricts fluid flow. Dissconnect the hose at the caliper and see
if the lever is stil hard to pull. If the hoses are good, you should get no resistance,
but you wil get squirted with brake fluid, so watch it!!