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Gs850 gl front brakes won't work

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    Gs850 gl front brakes won't work

    Hello this is my first post on this forum. I need some help and advice on what I should do to get the front brakes working. I have taken both sides apart and it seems like the calipers are seized up. I got the master cylinder working and getting brake fluid to the calipers but they still won't move. When I got this gs it had been sitting for years and it was completely dry inside the master cylinder. It took me about two hours to get the plunger moving with the brake lever smoothly. Now there is just no pressure when I squeeze. Any suggestions? Thank you.

    #2
    No pressure when you squeeze normally means air in the system.

    Have you bled the brakes? I assume you have put them back together?

    BTW - your caliper pistons are most likely corroded and beyond repair if the bike has been sitting for years. You can pop them out with compressed air.
    Current:
    Z1300A5 Locomotive (swapped my Intruder for it), GS450 Cafe Project (might never finish it....), XT500 Commuter (I know - it's a Yamaha :eek:)

    Past:
    VL1500 Intruder (swapped for Z1300), ZX9R Streetfighter (lets face it - too fast....), 1984 GSX750EF, 1984 GSX1100EF (AKA GS1150)
    And a bunch of other crap Yamahas....

    Comment


      #3
      Thoroughly clean your calipers and master cylinder making sure to replace all of the bits inside each. I would also replace the brake lines with, preferably, new stainless steel ones. Make sure you bleed the master before attempting to bleed the brake calipers like Hillsy said.
      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

      1981 GS550T - My First
      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

      Comment


        #4
        Hello and thank you for the responses. Yes I have put them back together but I did not take the piston out of the caliper. I did not know I could do that. I did not want to get in too deep and be SOL. So today after work I will take them apart again and pop the piston out and lightly sand with wet 600 grit and let dry then put back together with some new brake fluid and see if that gets them working. Thank you for your help! Have a great day.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by AxleDostalek View Post
          Hello and thank you for the responses. Yes I have put them back together but I did not take the piston out of the caliper. I did not know I could do that. I did not want to get in too deep and be SOL. So today after work I will take them apart again and pop the piston out and lightly sand with wet 600 grit and let dry then put back together with some new brake fluid and see if that gets them working. Thank you for your help! Have a great day.
          If there are pits in the pistons after you've sanded off the muck, the seal will get chewed up and leak. I'm not sure if you can fill them in with JB weld and smooth them out or not. I had to get new pistons for mine.
          https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9zH8w8Civs8ejBJWjdvYi1LNTg&resourcekey=0-hlJp0Yc4K_VN9g7Jyy4KQg&authuser=fussbucket_1%40msn.com&usp=drive_fs
          1983 GS750ED-Horsetraded for the Ironhead
          1981 HD XLH

          Drew's 850 L Restoration

          Drew's 83 750E Project

          Comment


            #6
            With respect you really need to do this correctly do not take any risks if the bike has been laid up that long it really needs a complete overhaul on these brakes as touched on by other posts new seal kit for master cylinder and calipers new Pistons (if required) and clean out or replace brake lines personally I would replace with stainless hose. I use a grease gun to remove really stuck Pistons as you can generate more pressure just get a grease nipple the same thread as the bleed screw and pump away.
            The big guy up there rides a Suzuki (this I know)
            1981 gs850gx

            1999 RF900
            past bikes. RF900
            TL1000s
            Hayabusa
            gsx 750f x2
            197cc Francis Barnett
            various British nails

            Comment


              #7
              yeah, full brake rebuild with no shortcuts
              1983 GS 1100 ESD :D

              Comment


                #8
                Okay guys here is my update. First thank you all for your help and advice. I have taken the pistons out of the calipers and cleaned them both lubed them with brake fluid and slid them back in. I also took out the o ring and cleaned that also as well as inside the calipers. Now I am still having a very easy time pulling the brake lever and no action down at the brakes yet. When I open the bleeder and pull the lever I do hear the air so I know the plunger in the master cylinder is sliding. I don't have the money right now to replace the lines with steel braided, that is down the road. What should I do next? Thank you.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Now I think you need to search about bleeding brakes.
                  There are many methods described here (use the search box "bleed brakes" or online.
                  I hate to admit it but I am currently having a hard time getting a firm handle on my front brake. I have bled a dozen bike brakes before and have had little if any problems. This one is trouble. I started with a brand new dry system (rebuilt brakes, new lines, new master cylinder).....all the regular bleeding methods have failed. I have resorted to removing the master cylinder and both calipers and taking them to the workbench so I can raise the caliper bleeders to the highest point and more easily push the air out.
                  Like I said, research bleeding brakes and you will find a variety of methods (vaccuum, syringe, reverse bleeding)
                  Usually if you just keep at it the air comes out or you find another problem you didn't see before. Don't feel bad , I've heard of plenty of people struggle with bleeding brakes for days to figure it out.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    If you can borrow or afford one of these it makes bleeding really easy and you get a solid feel on the lever.
                    The big guy up there rides a Suzuki (this I know)
                    1981 gs850gx

                    1999 RF900
                    past bikes. RF900
                    TL1000s
                    Hayabusa
                    gsx 750f x2
                    197cc Francis Barnett
                    various British nails

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Thank you all!!! I would be lost and angry if I did not know about this forum. You all are making this easier for me, I appreciate all the knowledge you throw at me. I will be able to purchase that mini vac this weekend after my side job. I will keep you posted with details.

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