GS1100E Rear Brake Problem

[45ACP]

A little WD and cleaning and it is like new! Thanks for the tips guys!

[83GS1100E_Tornado]

I have a 1980 GS1100E. When you depress the rear brake pedal, it will no go back to its original position. The fluid level is ok, and the lever is clean and lubed, any ideas? I can't wait to get this out on the road, but I'm wary with the current condition. Thanks for any help - Gabe

Sounds like your caliper is not releasing, I'm assuming you already checked to make sure the spring is there. When you spin the wheel and hit the brake, does it grab or not? Does it release when you let go of the brake? If not, sounds like a caliper rebuild would be in order, with new fluid throughout. Probably fix you right up!

[rphillips]

Is the spring missing, broken, or unhooked???

[45ACP]

Sounds like your caliper is not releasing. When you spin the wheel and hit the brake, does it grab or not? Does it release when you let go of the brake? If not, sounds like a caliper rebuild would be in order, with new fluid throughout. Probably fix you right up!

When you spin the wheel and brake, it grabs and stops as it should. When you release the brake, it stays in place and the wheel will not move until you pull the lever back up to position with your foot. The spring seems to be ok at the moment.

If the caliper needs rebuilt, what is the best way to go about this? It is my first bike, and I don't want to mess it up any more than it is. Thanks guys!

[chef1366]

The straight end of the spring should be on a peg sticking out of the frame and the "hooked" end hooked onto the pedal.
I know it's been said but it sounds like a spring to me too.

[45ACP]

Yeah, the spring connected as it should be. Once released, the lever pulls back, just not as far as it needs to. I sprayed a ton of wd-40 on the whole mechanism, and didn't notice any rust or debris coming out. I honestly don't think it is the caliper, but bikes and cars aren't my thing. I just to pay someone to fix it. For reference, the pedal is resetting about half way, and has about another 1/4 inch to go. It is frustrating because I haven't had a chance to ride it since I bought it.

[chef1366]

Open up the lid where you put the brake fluid in. What color is it? If it is brown and not clear you need to bleed it out. Find some hoses that fit over the nipple of the bleeder valves and put the ends into a bucket or something. I use coffee cans. You should have two bleeder valves on the caliper. Open the one first that is the farthest from the master cylinder. (inner one) Push down the brake lever and before releasing it tighten down the bleeder valve. Now do the other one. Repeat this until the fluid coming out of the bleeder valves is clear. Make sure you don't run the brake fluid fill chamber out of fluid or you will have to start all over. I hope this fixes your problem.

[45ACP]

I will give that I try when I get home from work. Thanks!

[Suzuki mad]

Sounds like it could also be the lever is seizing in the frame!

Look at the back of rear brake pedal, where it goes through the frame. You should see a rod connecting it to the brake master cylinder. There is a small pin with a split pin going through it. Take that out which free's up the lever. Now apply the lever as if you were braking. If the lever does not return to its original position then it's your lever. One 13mm bolt to remove the lever from the rear bracket and pull the lever out. (You may have to take the foot rest off to.)

Wire brush, some emery cloth or one of the sanding pads to clean it up then a good smear of grease. Replace in reverse order, job done!

Suzuki mad

1981 GS1000ET
1983 GS(X)1100ESD
2002 GSF1200K1

[45ACP]

Wow, you guys are great. Thanks for all the advice! I will let you know what happens, and any other tips let me know. Gabe