Hello all,
My front brake lever, its not smooth when I squeeze it down. I don't quite know how to describe it, almost like it might need some lube on the lever? Can I even lube it? I know Adidasguy has a video on how to replace the lever so I am planning on doing that tonight, just removing it and putting it back on to see if that makes a difference.
My reason for posting is to ask if there is anything I can do, do I need to lube it? Is this a symptom that I need to bleed the brakes (never done that before).
I am a newbie to this but I think I know enough to know when it just doesn't feel right. What else could be wrong with it that I could check? I did add a bit of brake fluid to it recently, could it be that its too full? I don't think the brake fluid has ever been changed (2004 GS500F).
Sounds like you may have a little air in the lines... which if it were low previously, could be very possible.
I would lube the lever joint just to eliminate that as a possibility, but brake lines should be bled at least once every two years. So you may want to do that regardless. It isn't difficult to do - just don't let the fluid reservoir go low/empty while you do it.
- Bboy
Also just re-read that your bike is an '04: It is overdue for brake lines if that has never been done to your knowledge.
- Bboy
Very common problem on GS, just get out the WD40 and soak the joint and it will be good for a long time. Only sprayed mine a few times in 13 years and 170.000 GS miles
Quote from: stokes776 on August 14, 2012, 07:31:42 AM
I know Adidasguy has a video on how to replace the lever
IIRC, Adidasguy mentions lubing the lever in his video. Page 6-5 in I love YOU (Motorcycle Operator's Manual) also specifically points out the brake lever holder as a spot to lube regularly. Try this first to fix the sticky issue. :thumb:
The others are correct as well. If your brake fluid/lines have not been replaced on your '04, they are past due according to general maintenance schedule.
Edit:
Really? The vulgarity filter catches "your M O M"?! :technical:
Quote from: jdoorn14 on August 14, 2012, 09:15:48 AM
Quote from: stokes776 on August 14, 2012, 07:31:42 AM
I know Adidasguy has a video on how to replace the lever
IIRC, Adidasguy mentions lubing the lever in his video. Page 6-5 in I love YOU (Motorcycle Operator's Manual) also specifically points out the brake lever holder as a spot to lube regularly. Try this first to fix the sticky issue. :thumb:
The others are correct as well. If your brake fluid/lines have not been replaced on your '04, they are past due according to general maintenance schedule.
Edit:
Really? The vulgarity filter catches "your M O M"?! :technical:
yes, yes it does lol I was just about to point that out so they know what you mean, in general always check y o u r m.o.m (if you have one)
I think he just needs to lube it, mine does that sometimes where it doesn't slide smoothly when i hit the brakes so i let go and squeeze again (not ideal in quick stops) so i dont brake too hard too fast (mine acts like it is on a notched slide, it goes from a - b -c no inbetween smoothness)
Yes, I've had that happen to the brake lever. Unscrew the pivot pin and clean & lube with fresh grease. Job done :)
FYI, in case anyone else has this same problem.
Watched AdidasGuy's video again.
Went down to garage, removed the lever, easy peasy.
Grabbed some grease, greased it up at all the points it would touch. The one thing I had a question on, was there was this little golden barrel that slipped inside the lever, but it was grooved on the outside of the barrel. I didnt think it was a good idea to lube that, but I lubed the rest of the assembly.
Put it all back together and smooth as silk.