Squishy Brake Lever

[Mashmash]

Hello Friends,
Just a quick question. What are the possible causes of a squishy brake lever? I just bled the front brakes on my 1981 GL1100 and am still experiencing a very squishy lever and little stopping power.
Thanks

[Track T 2411]

Typically, there is still air trapped in the lines somewhere. The one line into a splitter into two lines setup can be difficult to bleed. It helps to 'prime' the master cylinder before attaching the line as well. One way to help the air move up to the master cylinder is to labs the biker on the side stand with the front wheel turned so that the master cylinder is at its highest point, tie back the lever about 3/4 of its travel, then let it sit. Another method is to use a vibrating sander on the lines and/ or splitter. I invested in a vacuum pump, which makes the task much easier and faster.

[Mashmash]

Typically, there is still air trapped in the lines somewhere. The one line into a splitter into two lines setup can be difficult to bleed. It helps to 'prime' the master cylinder before attaching the line as well. One way to help the air move up to the master cylinder is to labs the biker on the side stand with the front wheel turned so that the master cylinder is at its highest point, tie back the lever about 3/4 of its travel, then let it sit. Another method is to use a vibrating sander on the lines and/ or splitter. I invested in a vacuum pump, which makes the task much easier and faster.

Thanks so much for the advice. After some additional research I saw some videos of people using a large syringe full of brake fluid to force the brake fluid in from the bleeder valve, while simultaneously removing it from the res. Any thoughts on that method?

[robin1731]

Thanks so much for the advice. After some additional research I saw some videos of people using a large syringe full of brake fluid to force the brake fluid in from the bleeder valve, while simultaneously removing it from the res. Any thoughts on that method?

Called reverse bleeding. They sell tools to do exactly that too. It does work very well.
.

[scootsx2]

Depending on how the caliper is mounted, the bleeder valve might not be on top resulting in a trapped air bubble. I have this issue with the caliper mounting points on my leading link forks. My work around is to reposition the calipers during bleeding.

[Mashmash]

Thanks so much for the advice. After some additional research I saw some videos of people using a large syringe full of brake fluid to force the brake fluid in from the bleeder valve, while simultaneously removing it from the res. Any thoughts on that method?

Called reverse bleeding. They sell tools to do exactly that too. It does work very well.
.

I ordered this...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C7 ... UTF8&psc=1
Hopefully I can get it worked out.
Thanks again for all the help fellas.

[CYBORG]

Those are great for bleeding. However, brakefluid can swell the rubber seal in them

[todd54219]

Check the rubber brake lines, they might be expanding/swelling when brakes are applied.

Just thinking out loud.

Todd

[rcmatt007]

Those are great for bleeding. However, brakefluid can swell the rubber seal in them

wow, you do not need that big of a syringe. a 3ml will work. Yes the brake fluid ruins the syringe, so it is a one and done throw away after doing it

[CYBORG]

I have several large ones, and they are also great for changing fork fluid via the drain hole. Drain the old fluid, and inject the new. No need to remove the springs, Or forks

[Rat]

I have an endless supply ....

Gord

[CYBORG]

I have Gord to thank for mine. I just rebuilt a set of forks for my 1200. Never had a spring out. Not having to deal with the springs makes it an easy job

[rcmatt007]

I have an endless supply ....

Gord

it helps to have a source

[AussieGold]

This is what i do.
Drain the old fluid.
Tie the brake lever back a smidgeon.
DRIP FEED the new fluid in. Very very slowly. As in DRIP FEED.
As the new fluid fills the calipers and lines it will fill without air pockets.
Never had a problem. M.

[Sidecar Bob]

If you can't get the last bit of air out by bleeding try turning the handlebars so that the master cylinder is at the highest location and tying the lever to the handlegrip overnight. This sometimes allow the air bubble to find its own way up & out.