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No pressure on brake lever.

23 posts · Started by Aphex · 14 Feb 2014

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Post 1 by Aphex,

#1
So my SD has been sitting for 3 months in a climate controlled garage. I went to start it up last night and hit the front brake while wheeling it out and it went straight to the grip with zero pressure. Could air have gotten in the system? Everything was fine up until I parked it.

I'm guessing I should just bleed the brakes and go from there?

Post 2 by DribbleDuke,

#2
You know how old your fluid is?
For piece of mind I would be flushing what ever is in there to new KTM spec fluid.

Post 3 by SDNerd,

#3
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Post 4 by 81forest,

#4
What happens when you pump the lever and rear brake pedal a few times?

"climate controlled garage" in SoCal.

In any case, a flush/fill and bleed is never a bad idea.

Post 6 by SDNerd,

#6
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Post 7 by 81forest,

#7
Air just doesn't creep in there. Even with a small amount of air, you will still get some resistence at the lever. I am betting your seals gave up the ghost.

Post 8 by Aphex,

#8
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Post 9 by Aphex,

#9
Harbor freight does it again! The plastic mightvac is pretty jenky. Mine has lasted a long time but it is not a high quality item. Must admit, I picked up the Harbor Freight motorcycle lift on sale recently and I am loving it!

Post 10 by SDNerd,

#10
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Post 11 by 41KS,

#11
Here's a like you might find helpful if a bleed does nothing.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15176

Post 12 by Aphex,

#12
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Post 13 by 41KS,

#13
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Post 14 by 41KS,

#14
All brake fluid absorbs water. Seals go usually after a period of non activity.
First event of the year has lots of racers getting stopped on the track due to water in brake system expanding and putting brakes on themselves. Can't move the bike very well, until it cools off.
Get new master cylinder seals and maybe caliper seals if your unlucky, and purchase both a reverse bleeder [any syringe (60ml)] and a mityvac.
Bleed your ABS system on your car and/or bike at least once every two years to keep it's $1500 or more abs pumps from packing up.

Post 15 by ktmguy,

#15
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Post 16 by 41KS,

#16
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Post 17 by ktmguy,

#17
So. Bike has been unused for one and a half months. Lost all pressure on brake lever. All of it. Drove the bike to KTM Malaga, no front brake whatsoever. 130-40 km/h on highway and then through tight city traffic. Engine braking were my friend and throttle usage reflexes patterns were my enemy KTM Malaga changed all the brake & clutch liquids.

Brakes are brilliant now. Simply brilliant. It spins rear wheel everywhere without hesitation and life on the bike is fun again.

Post 18 by 41KS,

#18
Haha Havent been used bike since brake service, it has just been sitting on side-stand. Tried brake lever today - absolutely nothing, it dives without any response

Post 19 by lc4,

#19
Another way to regain brake pressure is to put a screwdriver between the pads and prize gently apart,then pump the lever until all is well.

Post 20 by 41KS,

#20
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Post 21 by 41KS,

#21
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Post 22 by ktmguy,

#22
Phillips.

Just kidding, flathead.

Post 23 by lc4,

#23
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