How do I add break fluid to rear breaks - 2004 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic

Thank you for contacting FixYa with your inquiry.
This is a common problem with KTM rear breaks. There is two things you need to do.

• Adjust your brake cable so it has a little more slack in it and you won't be riding it when your not breaking. Unknowingly you have been depressing it with your toe until it becomes hot and then you loose the breaking ability of the fluid.
• There is a aftermarket rear break cooler available at the KTM shops that corrects this issue. It cools the fluid and allows normal breaking. It's quite inexpensive and well worth the cost. No need to be out in the brush all the time because your breaks don't work and you constantly have to catch up with your buddies because your breaks don't work. It's hard on jerseys.

Thanks again for the inquiry,
TF

does the truck have rear drum brakes on the rear? if so then the fluid is leaking out of the rear wheel cylinders. or the master cylinder is leaking fluid into the brake booster.

ABS proportioning valve is probably jammed or corroded

More than likely it's either break fluid or axel lube. Axel lube will smell really strong and if it's leaking out it will build up on the breaks and make the rear tire skid under heavy breaking. It is also very thick. Break fluid is thin and has almost no smell.

If you are talking about the growling around corners, Thats a common failure for those eaton lockers. Try and flush all of the fluid out of it and clean it up really good with break cleaner. Then add twice as much friction modifier, or buy the fluid with it already in it and add the modifier on top of that. So you know you need synthdic fluid in the rear end.
If you are talking about another noise then report back for further help!

It may be on because the fluid level is low, fill it a little. I should be a DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid,

check the bleeder valve on the caliper. A lot of times those come bad brand new or clogged.

Sounds like you have a blockage in the brake line going to the back breaks...maybe a kink in the brake line or maybe the junction piece (found attached to the bell housing in the back) that sends brake fluid to both breaks in the back is bad. Or your rear breaks need to be adjusted... I would say brake cylinders, but I doubt both would go out at the same time. Also check to make sure your master cylinder is working ok and there is no air in the line...try bleeding the back brakes to see if any fluid is getting to the brake cylinders in the back, this will tell you if you have a kink in the line or air...if it bubbles when you check (bleed the lines) then your problem is air in the line and should be bled until you get a solid flow of break fluid with no bubbles at all. If you want to know how to bleed the rear break just write me back and I will instruct you on how to do that.

It sounds like the rear calipers are bad. Raise the rear wheels and see if you can turn the tires. If you can't, open the bleeder. If you still can't replace the caliper. If you can turn the wheel after you open the bleeder, replace the brake hose to that wheel.

Sounds like you have a leak in the brake system. The fluid you are seeing is brake fluid.

You need to get this fixed asap.