Brake fade 2009 ABS

[YankeeFeejer]

Hi, I have been experiencing a lack of pedal pressure for rear brake. I changed fluid and this seemed to remedy the issue, after approximately 1700 miles of riding the problem reappeared. There was/is no visible loss of brake fluid nor can I find any leaks. All help greatly appreciated.

Bob

 

[RossKean]

Refresh your brake fluid.

Bleed brakes COMPLETELY.

For the rear brake, you need to first bleed the lower front right nipple on the FRONT brake since this piston pair is linked to the rear brake.

Then bleed the rear brake.

Make sure the rear brake lever isn't sticking at the pivot (common issue). Remove it, clean it up, regrease it and reassemble.

(A sticking rear brake can cause the caliper to overheat which will cause fade.)

Check condition of the brake pads .

 

[HotRodZilla]

Do what Ross said a about cleaning your foot lever pivot. It will get dirty and stick, leaving your brakes engaged, and cause issues. Has your ABS light flashed?

 

[900gc]

Do what they^^^^said and also do this: find a way to hold down the rear pedal firmly & the front brake lever (due to the linked feature) for at least 24 hours. You will have a nice firm rear brake for quite a while. Rinse and repeat if it starts to get a little soft again. I've bled mine every year but that does not permanently resolve the sponginess returning over time. I do this with my DR650 as well a couple times a year and find it firms up the braking about 10% or so. The theory is that this technique drives any minute amount of air bubbles to the reservoir.

 

[wfooshee]

Sticky brake pedal is my vote, as well. It doesn't take much brake pressure to generate a LOT of heat back there when the pads are dragging on the rotor more firmly than they should be.

 

[rp.foster]

great inputs guys. brother helps me out with his nifty vacuum bleeder...I never new how much brake I was losing till we did this. what a difference some fresh fluid and a bleed makes.