A Question of Brakes

[gsmetal]

Well took the GS500 out for a little run today (25 miles) and discovered my front brakes are just horrible.

I wouldn't really call them "Brakes" as much as I would call them "Coasts" since you never really stop. Regardless of how much pressure you crank down...****STOPPING*** * power is just pathetic.

So I'm thinking new pads, disc and braided lines. Anyone have any input?

How much do brake rotors go for?

Thanks

[scratch]

Try bleeding the brake fluid first. Look into the glass on the master cylinder resivior, what color is the fluid? If it's a dark brown (or worse if there's none there!), use a new bottle of DOT4 to fill and bleed out the rest in the line.

[davipu]

when was the last time you changed the fluid? when the fluid gets dirty it can cause lots of problems with fluid movement from particles getting caught in the ports of the caliper.  but with stock brakes you should be able to stoppie with 4 fingered pressure.  there is no reason to go to steel braided lines unless your racing or, for astetic reasons.

[marc]

Humm... front brake sucks.

It might be because I'm used to use 1 finger to brake, but I find that
sometimes it is ready to brake , and sometimes it fades and stops poorly.

Look at your caliper, your dust seals may be out if its place.

[gsmetal]

I'm going to bleed the brake tonight and see what happens.

I have done plenty of brakes and I'm somewhat shocked    that it didn't even occur to  me about bleeding them.

I must be getting old.....thanks for the whap upside the head.

SK

[Jace009gs]

see if you got some road goooo on the rotor.....FYI rotors go for $189 new EBC...

[gsmetal]

I did the fluid change + bled the air out and the brake is better but it's still not where I would like it so the pads are next.

I'll keep you posted.

[Shadowhawk]

I use two fingers on the front brake...........

I bled the brakes once I got my bike home(I had to but new rear pads on first......, metal to metal sucks :x ), but even then I had to put new pads on the front and scuff the dist with sandpaper(180 grit if I remember right) to make it feel like it worked like it should......

I used DOT 5.1 when I bled the brakes, actually I ended up flushing them completley, but I did end up with clean fluid and reasonably good feel.....

Don
Shadowhawk
'93GS500
'83GS450LD(For Sale)