maintenance assistance required.

[Gilfy650a]

Ok,i was riding the other day... and every day since i guess... i digress.

My front brakes felt SUPER weak, i figure i have to bleed them, just not sure how to do so.

so what are the steps to making my brakes work properly?


Oh and the oil topic got me thinking, a couple weeks ago i changed my oil, and i was tightening the oil filter cover back onto the bike. I think i might have over tightened it, as i heard a "ping" noise i loosened the cover subsequently and then re-tightened it on..... any ideas.... not going to explode am i?

[cruisinflatout]

I personally don't screw around with brakes on my bike (besides just switching out pads) but if it needs bleeding or anything, I'll take it in...it's worth the buckage to me to have someone with more expertise do it properlly....

[cruisinflatout]

I think i might have over tightened it, as i heard a "ping" noise i loosened the cover subsequently and then re-tightened it on..... any ideas.... not going to explode am i?

I wouldn't worry about it if you have no leaks...if the oil's staying up...should be good

[Aggroton]

yeah bleeding is really easy...just make sure you have a tube so you dont get brake fluid all over your pretty calipers....get a kit from your dealer/moto shop...the kit will have everything you need and some instructions...make sure you use the right brake fluid too

as for the oil..if its not leaking i wouldn't worry too much...just be more carefull next time.

[TechTMW]

A bar or click-type torque wrench is a great investment if you plan on doing your own maintenance... especially since one of the most common problems w/ diy'ers is overtightening.

Bleeding brakes is no problem w/ the kit, as stated. Just make sure you test the brakes BEFORE you get out and start riding !!!!! Normal rubber brake lines allow water to precipitate into the brake fluid, albeit slowly. at the year's end your brake fluid is about 3% water because of this, and water destroys brake fluid. This is why it's a good Idea to change the fluid at the intervals suggested in your MOM. It's a little bit of maintenance that's easy and you can save money on! The brakes fade over time slowly, and people don't even notice their reduced braking capability until it's really bad.

[Gilfy650a]

Okay, well an update on the brake situation. I bled them over the weekend with the help of my Dad and there was no air in the lines whatsoever, when we finished the brakes felt a little better, but not great.

I was thinking the hoses might need to be replaced, they could be swelling when i put pressure on the brakes. Think that may be the problem?