Bike out of storage, no brakes.

[MajBach]

Bike has been in covered storage in Phoenix since March-ambient outside air temp.

Got down here today and noticed the brake pedal pressed all the way down. Even pumping the brakes didn't increase resistance. Reservoir is full, no brake fluid puddles. Rear caliper is engaging at least as can't turn wheel when on center's and pressing pedal. Don't know about front. Hand lever is fine. How did this happen while sitting? What should I do?

 

[2wheels4fun]

Had similar issue when I let my NC700x sitt for 3 months. Brakes just was not working right. It was just taking much longer to stop. After riding it for 15 mins the brakes started work like normal again. I guess the calipers get stuck if not used for a while.

 

[mech 1 twa]

Take a screw driver and gently try and spread the rear pads apart. Don't damage the rotor. If pistons are free check slide pins for sticking if everything checks out I'd try bleeding the rear brakes.

Also check that the foot lever is free and not sticking.

 

[RaceDr]

I live in Surprise and do all of my own work on my 2005 FJR with 127K miles. My rear master cylinder seals failed and I had to order and replace them. I had pressure, momentarily, until the pedal went all the way down. No puddles, bleeding didn't help.

Let me know if I can help.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Happens on GEN IIs & IIIs. Bleed the rear circuit on RF plus rear caliper and all will be well. The rear brake on my '15 is getting soft, time for its annual bleed job.

~G

 

[MajBach]

ure Wht you mean by "RF".

I did a quick bleed at each caliper and the right front (oh I just figured out RF). The front seemed to spit a little air and I only bled until the res. was at lower level.The pedal definitely got stiffer. Will top up tomorrow.

I'm anxious to get out riding as I haven't been on the FJ since March. Headed to LA tomorrow for a week then Palm Springs.

Thanks for the offers of help and quick responses.

 

[dcarver]

Both my 06 and especially the 13 have done the same thing to me more than twice..

 

[rushes]

My 08 hates to sit. No leaks and have bled many times, but still gets air somehow from lack of use. Rear only. Just bleed and I bet it'll be fine.

 

[Bounce]

Brake and clutch fluid are hygroscopic (it attracts water). Flush at least once every 2 years. If stored and temps fluctuate it might need it more often since there is no heating cycle to fight water accumulation in the system.