rear brake question....

[smokienutz]

is it normal for the rear brake to feel "soft". not soft like if there's air in the lines, but like so soft u can't make a skid?

[almarconi]

I would say no, the brake should feel firm.

[smokienutz]

I would say no, the brake should feel firm.

from what i understand a brake should do is.. if i stand on it, my rear tire should skid or not move correct? similar to the front brakes? i just did a complete rehaul on the calipers and master cylinder. to me they are feeling way soft.

[Dogma]

Spitballing here... Since you just rebuilt it, I hope it's not one piston hanging. I'm also wondering about adjustment of the yoke that attaches to the brake lever. Um, was it bled at the both ends of the line? Are the pads glazed? Uh, that's all I got.

[psyguy]

you should be able to lock your real wheel, and with not too much effort either. much like with the front brake lever, at some point there should be a definite firm feel where the brake pedal doesn't go any further

[smokienutz]

Spitballing here... Since you just rebuilt it, I hope it's not one piston hanging. I'm also wondering about adjustment of the yoke that attaches to the brake lever. Um, was it bled at the both ends of the line? Are the pads glazed? Uh, that's all I got.

i only bled it at the bleeder end.. the caliper, both of them. there's another end to blleed? also how to i know if my pads are glazed? and how do i fix that if they are?

[smokienutz]

you should be able to lock your real wheel, and with not too much effort either. much like with the front brake lever, at some point there should be a definite firm feel where the brake pedal doesn't go any further

my front brakes are "softed", always has been been. they have a good pedal for a a decent while. but after an hour of riding r so, they tend to get softer. i am still trying to get all the old fluid out the old hard way. (bleeding them), i am thinking i might have to do a whole overhaul like the rearend, not sure though.

[almarconi]

they have a good pedal for a a decent while. but after an hour of riding r so, they tend to get softer.

Do you have SS lines on the bike?

What you are describing is usually caused by old and swelling brake lines. By all means change the fluid, flush everything out and refill with fresh fluid.

[chef1366]

Have you let the pads bed in yet?

[psyguy]

you can scuff the pads with sanding paper. clean the rotor with brake cleaner.
anyhow, glazed pads would not make the brake feel soft as you described. i wouldnt be suprised if some air is trapped at the m/c banjo. you can try bleed it at the banjo (potentially messy...) or take the caliper off and place it higher than the m/c banjo, then tap on the line a few times to get the air to move to the caliper, then blead at the caliper nipples.