Rear Brake Help

[Guest medicman91681]

Saturday I rode the Dragon, what a blast.... While I was pulling into the resort I lost my rear brakes. I was telling my buddie who was with me I lost my rear brakes and the gentleman who was doing the pin stripping and sewing on patches overheard what I was telling my friend told me that I had obviously boiled my brakes and he suggested doing a fluid change to Motul 5.1 brake fluid. He was a wealth of knowledge and then he proceded to show me his RSV. He pulls a 1000 lb trailer daily through the Dragon and said he had changed his fluid to the 5.1 and has had no problems since. Looking for thoughts about changing from the DOT 4 fluid to the 5.1. He said it has a higher temp rating and that it would solve any issues I would ever have with hot brakes. Now that this has happened should I am going to flush and replace my fluid since it is now black and was wondering if I should do a rear pad change as well? Also was wondering is there anyone in the Nashville/Murfreesboro Tennessee area that knows how and has the equipment to help sync my carbs?

[FuzzyRSTD]

The brake pads; http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61475

Maybe the fluid change, at least the one I found quickly in the Tech Library, looked neat; http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10517

Monty is from TN, but do not know his location from you. He might be able to help you out with the sync for a small fee.:mo money:

 

Fuzzy

Edited September 13, 2011 by FuzzyRSTD

[V7Goose]

You absolutely need to change the fluid - any discoloration at all indicates old fluid that has absorbed a lot of moisture.

 

Personally, I'd stick with any DOT4 fluid. If the fluid is changed at least every two years (and you use a new can and change it during a normal or low humidity day), you will NEVER have a problem with boiling the brakes on a street machine. Nothing wrong with DOT 5.1 except the increased chance of making a devastating mistake and mixing DOT5 with it. I do not think it gains you a single thing, and you do get more risk.

Goose

[Guest]

Back in 2004 I too cooked my rear brake fluid on the Dragon. Made for a hairy ride. Took about 20 minutes to get a pedal back. As far as the Motul 5.1 goes, i have used it in my 99 for about a year with no problems. Its a little more money but since I ride in a hot climate I figured the higher boiling point would be a plus. As Goose says, nothing wrong with the DOT 4 but the difference between synthetic 5 and DOT 5.1 could be devastating if your not paying attention. Im about to polish my brake masters and will have to flush the system again. Ill use the Motul 5.1 again.

[Guest medicman91681]

so when swapping over to the 5.1, do you simply drain and flush with the 5.1 or is there more that needs to be done?

[Guest]

so when swapping over to the 5.1, do you simply drain and flush with the 5.1 or is there more that needs to be done?

 

DOT 5.1 is compatible with DOT 3 and DOT 4 but its still better to flush your whole system out from time to time. Since your going with 5.1 i'd recommend the system flush. I use a Mity-Vac for brake and clutch bleeding. Makes life easier.

[RJD]

this year while riding Escalante Staircase (spelling?) I lost mine. this was the first time in many years of riding I have had this happen. I flushed the fluid that night at the hotel and had no more trouble for the rest of the 6000 mile trip.

 

A couple of weeks ago while riding in Pennsylvania it happened again. I just let them cool off and they were fine. Since i have never had this before I can't help but think there might be something else wrong.

[Guest]

this year while riding Escalante Staircase (spelling?) I lost mine. this was the first time in many years of riding I have had this happen. I flushed the fluid that night at the hotel and had no more trouble for the rest of the 6000 mile trip.

 

A couple of weeks ago while riding in Pennsylvania it happened again. I just let them cool off and they were fine. Since i have never had this before I can't help but think there might be something else wrong.

 

Sounds like you need to use that front brake a little bit more. I know I was hitting the rear brake pretty hard most of the time but since then I started using the front brake a bit more and havent had any more problems. That rear brake is hauling down over 900 lbs, not counting the rider(s) so yea, its gonna get hot.....

[Monty]

Monty is from TN, but do not know his location from you. He might be able to help you out with the sync for a small fee.:mo money:

 

Fuzzy

 

I've never done a carb sync. It can't be that hard, if you have the tools, which I don't.

 

I've also never lost the brakes on the scoot...fire truck yes, but not the scoot.

[Guest medicman91681]

yea I let them cool off for about 2 hours and the brakes came back, theyre alittle spongy but I was able to make it off the Dragon without it biting me so I felt fortunate.

[davecb]

Saturday I rode the Dragon, what a blast.... While I was pulling into the resort I lost my rear brakes. I was telling my buddie who was with me I lost my rear brakes and the gentleman who was doing the pin stripping and sewing on patches overheard what I was telling my friend told me that I had obviously boiled my brakes and he suggested doing a fluid change to Motul 5.1 brake fluid. He was a wealth of knowledge and then he proceded to show me his RSV. He pulls a 1000 lb trailer daily through the Dragon and said he had changed his fluid to the 5.1 and has had no problems since. Looking for thoughts about changing from the DOT 4 fluid to the 5.1. He said it has a higher temp rating and that it would solve any issues I would ever have with hot brakes. Now that this has happened should I am going to flush and replace my fluid since it is now black and was wondering if I should do a rear pad change as well? Also was wondering is there anyone in the Nashville/Murfreesboro Tennessee area that knows how and has the equipment to help sync my carbs?

 

 

 

 

I'm in Huntsville and can do it for you. PM me...

[FuzzyRSTD]

I've never done a carb sync. It can't be that hard, if you have the tools, which I don't.

 

I've also never lost the brakes on the scoot...fire truck yes, but not the scoot.

 

Well that is a surprise Monty, thought sure you would have this. I want to get me a carb Sync tool eventually. I just checked your profile page and never knew you where a retired Firefighter & EMS. Thanks for your time and help to, and for, the public. Also noticed you are a veteran and also a PGR member also. Thank you for your service to our country.

 

Fuzzy

[EL Cid]

Hey medicman

I'm in Lebanon. In murfreesboro at least 3 times a week. Be glad to help.

Read the site every night. Just don't post that much.Going to ride the trail of tears this weekend. Next week , Nashville Indiana for the Venture rally. Yes i belong to both org.

Ride a 2000 MM. Just chrome the wheels and finns on the engine. Also change over to braided brake lines. Will post some picture when i get off the road long enough.

Retire July 5, have rode just over 4'000 miles since then .

 

Leonard Huff

(The Cid )

 

This is a much better site , than what we have at the Ventures.