Brake Problem

[Anonymous]

I just purchased a 1981 GS550T and am trying to get it road ready. It has been in storage for 17 yrs. I disassembled the front and rear calipers, cleaned them, flushed the lines and replaced the brake fluid. The problem I'm having is that the front brake keeps locking up. It will work fine for a few days then lock up. If I release the pressure from the bleeder valve it will work fine again for a couple of days. Any suggestions?

[Big T]

Get the "rebuild kit" for it, which is a flatted O ring and replace.

Did you check the brake piston? Is it rusted? If so, replace that also.

it's simply a matter of deterioration of these parts over 17 years of sitting.

[IanFrancisco]

The master cylinder (brake lever) has a relief/return valve that is supposed to relieve the pressure when the brake lever is released, allowing the fluid to return to the reservoir and the calipers to stop squeezing. That may be clogged. If you have already worked on the calipers, it's time to turn your attention to the master cylinder.

[duaneage]

Replacement calipers and master cylinders are on ebay all the time cheap, I would investigate that. Better to get one from a running bike than one that sat for 20 years and did not move. Brake fluid retains moisture and it destroys everything.