front brake problems

[otto]

I noticed my front brake was leaking fluid, and it appeared from the calliper.  I was finding brake fluid on the wheel and tire, no place else.  The line appears to be in good condition.  I took the calliper apart, and cleaned it pretty well.  I took every moving part off and cleaned it.  Now I put it back together and on the bike, here is the problem.  I start to bleed the front brake, get air out of the line, but don't get any resistance from the brake lever.  The piston's don't seem to be pushing out.  What step am I missing?  What on God's green earth am I doing wrong?  The inside of the calliper seems in good shape as do the seals.  I pulled them out and cleaned everything.  Please Help!!

[black and silver twin]

It sounds like you vapor/air locked the master cylinder. is fluid moving through the system? sometimes if the moon and stars are aligned right and you completely drain the system it wont bleed. the air in the master cylinder just compresses and doesn't let any fluid enter to be pushed through. try a vacuum or pressure bleeder.

[lilbill]

If that's the case you can just take the line off at the master cylinder and hold your thumb over the hole and pump the lever until pressure builds, then let the air leak out past your thumb and repeat until you're getting fluid.  Same principles as bleeding, try to cover the opening while still pushing the lever and definitely before you release the lever.  Then hook everything back up and pump away for awhile!!

[otto]

thanks for the ideas.  i'm still trying every bit of advise i get.  i'll take more.  i guess now i need the planets to align and all will be well again.