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Message started by zipidachimp on 06/23/23 at 23:50:26

Title: Lower braking force ?
Post by zipidachimp on 06/23/23 at 23:50:26

When I switched my front wheel from 19" to 18", I gained much better turning feel, but on my first ride this year, it seems like I have lost some braking force. If there are any techies out there, am I right? Solutions! ( I have a steel-braided line).
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by zevenenergie on 06/24/23 at 00:07:22

A smaller wheel should give you more braking power.

Maybe your new brake pads are still wearing in.
If you have exchanged the old ones from left to right, they must also wear in again.

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by Dave on 06/24/23 at 03:40:07

Do some maintenance and see if it helps.

Remove the handlebar lever and clean and grease the pivot bolt.

Remove the top of the Master Cylinder and siphon out the old fluid from the reservoir........pour in new fluid and bleed the braking system.

I had an ST1100 Honda that had a front brake lever that was not smooth, and it would move in little pulses or steps as it was applied. Greasing the pivot helped - but getting out the old fluid is what really changed the way it worked.

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by zipidachimp on 06/24/23 at 21:46:05

FYI: there are 3 vids on u-tube of 3 bozos changing the brake pads on an S40. Not one of them mentions or even shows Brake Fluid!
Guess it time for me to install the pads I bought last March !
Cheers! 8-)
ps: yes, I'll change the fluid!!!

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by Dave on 06/25/23 at 03:16:13

3E2D342D2025272C2D2934440 wrote:

And clean and grease the brake and clutch lever pivot bolts!

Dirt gets in there and the grease congeals and turns into a sticky grime. The levers will move much easier if they have fresh lube.

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by SpamyToo on 06/25/23 at 09:14:17

If you still have the single piston, it gets a little siezy over time too. Ive had to pull mine all apart and rebuild it recently. If the brake is not feeling like its applying very hard and also doesnt seem to back off of the disk very well. Like you can feel or hear it still grinding on the rotor, you may need to do the rebuild.

A kit like this...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C8KV4N1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The piston gets junk built up around it and may even have some rust keeping it from moving back and forth freely.

Just somethign to consider.

Title: Re: Lower braking force ?
Post by zipidachimp on 06/25/23 at 23:11:54

Inasmuch as I have had this bike 9 years without a hiccup (?), I will finally pay some attention to the brakes! Thanks all for the suggestions!
Cheers! 8-)