Walt
Just got it firing!
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2009
- Messages
- 5
I need help sorting out the rear brake on my LeMans II. When I got the bike the brakes had been un-linked, so I knew that the brake had been messed with. Now I am not able to bleed the brake, and I’ve tried many ways including raising the caliper high and straightening the metal line. At best I only get a spongy pedal and never any brake. I’ve run a lot of fluid through and gotten a lot of air out of the system without much change in the pedal. I have several suspected problems and two suspects that stand out. I have several photos.
Here are my primary suspects:
1. Only one nipple on the caliper, the other hole is plugged and I suspect could be holding air in a pocket? In the attached photo’s you can see that there is only one nipple. Attached is my attempt at a close up photo of the plugged hole.
2. Master cylinder may be restricted and not able to retract all the way? The lever on the Master Cylinder has been modified on both ends to give it more throw indicating to me that it may have been a previous problem. The master cylinder may be having difficulty getting fluid from the reservoir supply? In the photo you may be able to see that both ends of the lever pushing on the cylinder’s piston have been modified to give it more throw, but it may not be enough throw. One end of the lever has been modified where it bumps into the inlet nipple, and even though it’s been modified it still bumps into the nipple (looks like a bad design). The piston end of the lever also appears to have been shaved.
Other possible problems, things to clean up:
1. The master cylinder is installed up-side down, the supply to the cylinder comes in from underneath the cylinder. Also, the design doesn’t look quite right with the lever bumping into the inlet nipple.
2. The tube from the reservoir to the master was held on at the master with a small hose clamp.
The master cylinder has been rebuilt, I’m happy to buy a new cylinder and figure out a new and better mount. I would appreciate help. Thanks, –Walt
Here are my primary suspects:
1. Only one nipple on the caliper, the other hole is plugged and I suspect could be holding air in a pocket? In the attached photo’s you can see that there is only one nipple. Attached is my attempt at a close up photo of the plugged hole.
2. Master cylinder may be restricted and not able to retract all the way? The lever on the Master Cylinder has been modified on both ends to give it more throw indicating to me that it may have been a previous problem. The master cylinder may be having difficulty getting fluid from the reservoir supply? In the photo you may be able to see that both ends of the lever pushing on the cylinder’s piston have been modified to give it more throw, but it may not be enough throw. One end of the lever has been modified where it bumps into the inlet nipple, and even though it’s been modified it still bumps into the nipple (looks like a bad design). The piston end of the lever also appears to have been shaved.
Other possible problems, things to clean up:
1. The master cylinder is installed up-side down, the supply to the cylinder comes in from underneath the cylinder. Also, the design doesn’t look quite right with the lever bumping into the inlet nipple.
2. The tube from the reservoir to the master was held on at the master with a small hose clamp.
The master cylinder has been rebuilt, I’m happy to buy a new cylinder and figure out a new and better mount. I would appreciate help. Thanks, –Walt
