Front Master cylinder

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handyandy64
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Front Master cylinder

#1

Post by handyandy64 »

I have a 1977 GL 1000. I've rebuilt the master cylinder twice. It will not hold pressure even after bench bleeding. I have bled the front brakes several times. What is next? Need help.
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tlbranth
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#2

Post by tlbranth »

What do you mean 'it won't hold pressure'? Can't get fluid to caliper? Brakes bled but lever keeps moving after resistance felt? More details eh?
Terry
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1970 CB750
handyandy64
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#3

Post by handyandy64 »

Thanks Terry for responding. Ok let's get started, at this point with bike on a stand. If I spin front wheel and apply brake the wheel stops. With the brake still applied I can move the wheel. Shouldn't the wheel stay "locked" in this position? I tried a short test ride, brakes did not work, I did not stop.
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#4

Post by gregforesi »

Yep, supposed to stop with the lever pulled.
Are you sure you installed the rubber boots in the master correctly?
Does the lever "bleed down" and want to go all the way to the grip?
If you didn't replace the brake lines, the upper one may be partially collapsed internally, and then will not allow the pressure you feel at the lever to get to the calipers. In that case, the lever feels right (doesn't bleed down).
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handyandy64
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#5

Post by handyandy64 »

The primary cup is installed in the correct position, the lever does bleed down after initial pull. It does go all the way to the grip. I did replace all brake hoses, rebuilt calipers as well. The bench bleed seemed to work ok, no air bubbles
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#6

Post by tlbranth »

Is there a leak at the caliper? It may be contained in the rubber dust cover. If not, I'd say your master cylinder has a problem. Cups facing the wrong way, craters in the bore, crimped cup.......
Terry
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1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#7

Post by handyandy64 »

No leaks at calipers. I was just trying to find a way to eliminate buying another M/C. The ones (used) online are in bad shape. Do you have preferences for replacement parts?
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#8

Post by tlbranth »

I think you probably assembled yours incorrectly or the barrel is pitted. I'm doing a complete remodel of my '75 and when I get to the handlebars I'm going with these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/16mm-Honda-Brak ... 6J&vxp=mtr
Not crazy about Chinese stuff but there have been positive reports on this site about these controls. The M/C comes with a rebuild kit too.
Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
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jdvorchak
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#9

Post by jdvorchak »

That really sounds like you installed the cups wrong. If the bore was no good I would think it would be leaking fluid where the lever pushes the plunger.

Remember both of the cupped portions have to face the same direction and that is forward or toward the banjo bolt.
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#10

Post by jdvorchak »

I have bought at least a half dozen of these from this eBay seller and could not be happier. Great price, great product and fast shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Transalp- ... qU&vxp=mtr

It probably doesn't look OEM but if you're not doing a restoration and do want to actually have your brakes work?
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
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Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#11

Post by jdvorchak »

the best video I've seen on how to bleed a motorcycle master cylinder. This is the same technique I use. Also have to say it is the only fool proof method I've tried. Works every time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4wlSQDsEHw
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
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Sugs
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#12

Post by Sugs »

Thanks for the video. Seems the whole key there is priming the master. Once that is done its all downhill from there.
Last edited by Sugs on Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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tlbranth
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#13

Post by tlbranth »

I have the best luck putting a vacuum to the bleeder.
Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
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ericheath
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#14

Post by ericheath »

The splitter under the triple tree can harbor a lot of air. I have luck unbolting the splitter and tilting it so the end nearest the master cylinder is highest. Then tie a rope around the lever, turn the bars so the master reservoir is higher than the exit. I have loosens the master clamps on the bars and slid it to the curved part so the master is almost vertical. Leave it over night and it bubbles up to the master. Having said it works for me, it doesn't seem to work for everyone as reported here.

Works great on clutch lines also.
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handyandy64
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Re: Front Master cylinder

#15

Post by handyandy64 »

Brake fluid is escaping out of the front of the piston where lever contacts piston. Time for a new replacement M/C
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