Rear Brake Issues!

[Guest]

Hello all, still trying to get my bike road ready. One setback is the rear brake.

The break has great stopping power when pressed down, but the lever is very very stiff and will only come back up if I use my foot. I changed my break fluid and it was not the remedy. I noticed there is a spring there but the force it takes to bring the break back up (the ready position) is noticeably too much. Is there something I need to spray? What are your thoughts?


Thank you

[LarryJ]

May be a rear master cyclinder rebuild time?

[CUEagle17]

I didn't even think of a rebuild. I am assuming its not too difficult, but I check around (the Bikecliff site) and cannot find a tutorial for the rear. Are you aware of one, LarryJ?

Also, in rebuild, are you assuming a kit or possibly taking apart/cleaning and putting back together?

[dorkburger]

Not sure what bike you have. It would be helpful if it was placed in your signature. I believe that some GS-L bikes had rear drum brakes. The attached pic shows (circled) what was causing my rear brake to drag. The piece was rusted and required cleaning with a green scotchbrite pad. This allowed free movement and fixed the problem.

[CUEagle17]

Dorkburger, I apologize I forgot to add the bike. I have a 78 GS750E. I as you did, I am hoping I can take it apart and clean/adjust what is needed.


Also, judging by the picture I see our master cylinders are a little bit different. I have a disk brake.

[dorkburger]

I got by with a cleanup.
No need to apologize

[Nessism]

Sounds like the lever pivot needs grease. Of course it goes without saying though that the brake system should be torn down and cleaned out as part of preventative maintenance. Upon reassembly, replace the rubber brake line too.

[CUEagle17]

I would rather try the grease method first and see where that gets me. Can I take that pin/pivot point out to grease? How does it come out?