Front brakes dry as a bone

[clintonroberts1]

So I recently purchased an 81' GS850 for a very reasonable price and it has come with a few small problems that usually accompany reasonable prices. the one i plan to tackle today is the front brakes wich are completely void of fluid, I am mechanicly inclined but this is my first bike and im curios if go about re-pressurizing the brake system the same way you do with a car or are there any tricks or tips to this seemingly simple task.

[lurch12_2000]

So I recently purchased an 81' GS850 for a very reasonable price and it has come with a few small problems that usually accompany reasonable prices. the one i plan to tackle today is the front brakes wich are completely void of fluid, I am mechanicly inclined but this is my first bike and im curios if go about re-pressurizing the brake system the same way you do with a car or are there any tricks or tips to this seemingly simple task.

Not sure what you mean about re-pressurizing?
I would check for obvious split hoses or leaking somewhere and fix before adding new fluid. Check the manual but I think it should be DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid.
Then you'll start bleeding the brakes just like a car and you'll probably have to refill a few times. Then check again for leaks. It's unusual to have no fluid at all so be ready for a serious leak and have rags handy while you squeeze the brake lever. Check around the pistons behind the brake pads to see if the seals are gone from sitting too long.

[Colin Green]

What Lurch said. Squeeze the lever slowly for the first 1/4 of its travel or it will shoot fluid up through the top of the reservoir and all over the tank. I know these things.

[clintonroberts1]

perfect thats what i wanted to hear, sorry the term re-pressurize was a little off im no writer thats for sure. the brakes are dry because its been sitting, this is a fairly normal problem for any vehicle that has sat unkempt but i didnt want to just go tearing into it until I had a little advice -thanks

[catbed]

perfect thats what i wanted to hear, sorry the term re-pressurize was a little off im no writer thats for sure. the brakes are dry because its been sitting, this is a fairly normal problem for any vehicle that has sat unkempt but i didnt want to just go tearing into it until I had a little advice -thanks

not true! mine sat for 16 years and still had fluid.

[clintonroberts1]

lol i suppose your right there are exceptions my first car sat for 10 and it too still had fluid

[tkent02]

If fluid falls out, it has a leak. Fix it.
If fluid doesn't fall out you should still go through the system carefully.
Brake parts are a lot cheaper than broken parts.

[Nessism]

My opinion is don't even bother trying to bleed the system, tear it down and fix the system right. Do a full system tear down and replace all the rubber bits; caliper piston seals and dust covers, brake line (stainless coated teflon are nice), and master cylinder piston seals. It's an easy repair and will pay off in the long run.

[BassCliff]

Hee Haw Howdy!

Hi Mr. clintonroberts1,

Let it be known that on this day you are cordially and formally welcomed to the GSR Forum as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Further let it be known that your good standing can be improved with pictures (not you, your bike)!

I do believe you have acquired the finest classic motorcycle in this part of the galaxy, except for mine. :-D

Please feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website and check out the mega-welcome page which has lots of vendor links, basic maintenance and restorative information. There you'll find a manual for your bike too. Thanks for joining us.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
(The unofficial GSR greeter)

[clintonroberts1]

well gentlemen after an hour and some great advice my brakes are pumped up and working so now i can pick up my carbeurators tomorrow and hopefully be on the road tomorrow evening thanks alot guys your input is priceless