Topic: CB550 Master cylinder problem

[chadheins]

Bike sat for 5-10 years and now the brakes don't work at all, the master cylinder won't pump any fluid, even when it's not connected to the pads. If you look in the resevoir there are two holes, the one closest to the brake line doesn't go all the way through. That doesn't seem right... could it be something to do with that? If not, I need a step by step on priming one of these puppies.
Thanks,
-Chad

[bozo4onion]

Been there and done that, mine's a 75 550F BTW. You should rebuild it first after all that time. The kit is relatively cheap and the manual is here on the forum. There are actually 3 holes, one tiny (important) one that relieves pressure. I just finished mine a few months ago. Had a Yamaha on it and replaced w/a correct (rebuildable and I rebuilt) Honda unit. Rebuilding is educational and bleeding was character building to say the least. MOST IMPORTANT........search here for all old threads for MASTER CYLINDER. Pay special attention to posts by Two Tired. Way smart guy. good luck.

[chadheins]

I went to a scooter shop and picked up a generic chinese master cylinder and filed down my brake lever to fit. I lost the bleed screw, so I'm stuck until tomorrow to get the slave cylinder unstuck