2002 Harley Davidson XL 883 R Sportster Logo
Posted on Sep 10, 2010
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Rear brakes arent working there is no pressure in the brake pedal. started when changing pads and had fluid leak

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  • Master 4,565 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 10, 2010
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Joined: Sep 22, 2009
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First, you've got to repair the leak. Once the leak is repaired, you'll have to refill the master cylinder and bleed the air out of the system.

To bleed the system, you must do these steps in this particular order. Take you time, don't get in a hurry on this.

First,with the leak fixed and the system put together properly, remove the top from the master cylinder and fill it with the appropiate type of brake fluid. The correct type of fluid should be written on the top of the master cylinder. Work the rear brake pedal slowly a few times and top the master cylinder off. Lay the top of the master cylinder on top of the master cylinder to keep down any fluid splashes.

Now, depress the pedal fully and hold it. Open the bleeder valve on the caliper and allow the air to escape. Close the bleeder valve. Release the rear brake pedal. Wait few seconds and repeat the procedure exactly as I've given it to you. Check the level of the brake fluid often. Do not allow the master cylinder to run dry. Continue until you get a full firm pedal.

Test the brakes before you ride the bike. Failure to insure proper operation of the brakes can lead serious injury or death. Do this job right or take it to someone who can do it correctly.

Good Luck
Steve

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Replaced some brake line, rear pads and one rear wheel cylinder. Now no pressure and nothing happening when trying to bleed.

Does the car have ABS ? And does it have an equalizer block for the 4 wheels ?
It sounds like the ABS has been affected, or there is an equalizer block that is stuck on the front wheels only.
Can you open the bleeder or the rear line on the master cyl and get fluid to come out by depressing the pedal ?
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Have you checked the master brake cylinder reservoir for brake fluid loss?

I don't suspect the master cylinder as you have replaced it... but am more suspect of a leaking brake line or fitting which should have
been discovered when you had the system bled.

The only time I ever had a rear brake problem with a 2500 series Chevrolet was due to seized rear brake caliper guide pins...as your calipers are also new that is not your problem.

If your brake pedal feels spongy and travels to the floor board you have air in the system, a brake fluid leak or a failure in the power steering system, such as a broken hose, broken power steering pump drive belt, or failed pump, would result in a loss of pressure to both the hydro-boost and steering.

Find more information here:

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I have changed the rear rotors and brake pads, bled the brakes after putting itall back together. Seemed to have brakes but then shortly thereafter they are like a sponge. Last time I tried bleeding them...

Hi, bleeding your rear brakes with engine running, you should get enough pressure out of the lines to squirt 3-4 feet. In other words, good pressure. If all you get is a trickle, you probably have a bad master cylinder. Just because its full of fluid, does not mean the seals arent shot. If you have bled them in order, left rear,right rear,left front,right fornt and have bled them enough to get fresh fluid out of each one without achieving good solid pressure at all wheels, replace your master cylinder. There is a proportioning valve, but usually it will affect only one wheel when going out, usually the left rear.
Brake pedal height comes from the rear brakes, so if you have bad pressure there, you will never get a good pedal. Eventually with a bad master, your brakes will go completly out..Mike
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After changing the brake pads my brake pedal goes to the floor. I tried to pump the brake, but it did not seem to work. When I changed the pads I took the bolt out of the brake line to the caliper to...

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Brake Problem

hi im dave
hope i can help
when you had the rear pads applied and the discs turned was there noticeable damage to the disc surface it sounds like your e brake cable is not adjusted properly or perhaps the braided wires inside the insulation are seperating along your brake cable causing the rear brakes to not be adjsting themselves properly. Every time the parking brake is applied the rear brakes are self adjusted if they arent being applied due to slack in or a broken cable you will not adjust your rear brakes. This would accont for the flutter in the brake pedal as hydraulic fluid is still circulating to compress the pads against the rotor but the pads arent reaching the rotor.
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