After Bleeding Brakes

[KarlS]

After bleeding the brakes on my 83 Venture took bike out of garage and let it run about 10 minutes to get warmed up. Test rode about 3 miles (was raining) and pulled back in. Brakes worked great but felt pedal getting tighter and tighter. After getting back could hardly push bike forward. Put on center stand and could hardly turn front and rear wheels by hand. Left bike alone about an hours and brakes released somewhat. I had read to leave brake reservoir low for heat expansion. I only left it about a 1/2 inch low. Could it of heated the brake fluid that much in such a short amount of time? And do I need to take more fluid out of reservoir? Or do I have to look for another problem? Thank You....Karl

[GeorgeS]

Normally 1/2 inch of space is enough for expansion.

 

Did you do anything except bleeding. ??

 

Did you replace All the Fluid ??

[KarlS]

Just bought this bike in December and took all parts of brake system apart cleaned and replaced needed parts and all new fluid.

[skydoc_17]

Hey Karl,

Well, I feel your pain on this one! When I first got my 87'VR I did the same thing and fried my front right rotor. If you didn't put new seals on the pistons of all three of your 26 year old calipers then it's not going to get any better. I burned up the front right and the rear rotor befor I discovered it myself. With the caliper off if you can't move the pistons BY HAND the seals have become hard from heat and old age. There is nothing inside the caliper that makes the piston retract and if the pistons can't move freely then they will stay in contact with the rotor causing more heat and then finally locking the wheel up. I suggest rebuilds all around, making sure the caliper piston bores are free of the buildup of old brake fluid and dust from the brake pads. Flatout Performance seems to have the best price on the caliper rebuild kits and Chris will take good care of you there.

Earl

[Squeeze]

Check the Pivot Bolt between Pedal and rear Master Cylinder for sticking first. Then check if the Pedal, in upper most Position, leaves minimal Free Play between the Push rod and the Piston in the Master Cylinder. There has to be Free Play, if not, the Expansion Hole might be blocked from the Piston not returning fully. If everything seems to fine outside, check what Earl said.