Rear brakes

[Rodneycash]

I have an '03 with some rear brake issues. The brake pedal doesnt retract on its own after braking. i have to pull it up with my foot. I know its not an "air in the system" issue. Could it be a master cylinder gone bad? Has anyone experienced this?

 

[SkooterG]

How do you know it's not an 'air in the system' or, more probable, 'moisture in the system' issue?

When was the last time you bled your brakes?

When was the last time you lubed the brake lever pivot?

I would suspect problems at the caliper (seals) before a master cylinder problem.

Still, a good flush and bleeding of the brake fluid cures 90% of brake issues.

More information on any services you HAVE performed, how many miles, blah, blah, blah, will be helpful and will impact the quality of advice you receive.

 

[Rodneycash]

How do you know it's not an 'air in the system' or, more probable, 'moisture in the system' issue?
When was the last time you bled your brakes?

When was the last time you lubed the brake lever pivot?

I would suspect problems at the caliper (seals) before a master cylinder problem.

Still, a good flush and bleeding of the brake fluid cures 90% of brake issues.

More information on any services you HAVE performed, how many miles, blah, blah, blah, will be helpful and will impact the quality of advice you receive.

It been awhile since i have bled them. i will give the flush a try. Thanks!

 

[ionbeam]

...Could it be a master cylinder gone bad? Has anyone experienced this?

Not the master cylinder. Yes, many have had this problem. Brace yourself for the solution ----->

You need to remove the whole brake foot peddle assembly, then clean and lube (C & L) all the parts. The part that is most likely the root cause of the sticking is the shaft under the foot peg. The only way to lube it properly is to take it all apart.

FWIW, the shift linkage on the left side really needs this same treatment. To C & L this properly the foot peg assembly must come off. When this linkage starts to bind up it can mimic a transmission problem, with the most common complaint resistance or refusal to go into first gear.

Welcome, and how the heck did you get so many miles without our 'help'

Edited to add: While I was typing others were posting. You should always change the brake fluid and bleed the lines as part of general maintenance. But, brake fluid, air in the lines and sticking calipers can not cause the foot peddle fail to return to the full upright position. This is sticking caused by dirt, lack of lube, worn and/or possibly bent parts.

 

[Rodneycash]

...Could it be a master cylinder gone bad? Has anyone experienced this?

Not the master cylinder. Yes, many have had this problem. Brace yourself for the solution ----->

You need to remove the whole brake foot peddle assembly, then clean and lube (C & L) all the parts. The part that is most likely the root cause of the sticking is the shaft under the foot peg. The only way to lube it properly is to take it all apart.

FWIW, the shift linkage on the left side really needs this same treatment. To C & L this properly the foot peg assembly must come off. When this linkage starts to bind up it can mimic a transmission problem, with the most common complaint resistance or refusal to go into first gear.

Welcome, and how the heck did you get so many miles without our 'help'

LOL.... I keep the maintenance up but lately i havent had the time to take care of things. I have removed the brake foot pedal in the past. i will give it a shot as well as a brake bleed. Also, i notice the pads drag a little as well.

 

[ionbeam]

Note my little edit to the previous post.

Dragging pads will be the caliper not sliding, the pistons being dirty or the seals. In this case, if you haven't had the calipers apart yet -- it's time.

 

[ALFJR]

...Could it be a master cylinder gone bad? Has anyone experienced this?

Not the master cylinder. Yes, many have had this problem. Brace yourself for the solution ----->

You need to remove the whole brake foot peddle assembly, then clean and lube (C & L) all the parts. The part that is most likely the root cause of the sticking is the shaft under the foot peg. The only way to lube it properly is to take it all apart.

FWIW, the shift linkage on the left side really needs this same treatment. To C & L this properly the foot peg assembly must come off. When this linkage starts to bind up it can mimic a transmission problem, with the most common complaint resistance or refusal to go into first gear.

Welcome, and how the heck did you get so many miles without our 'help'

Edited to add: While I was typing others were posting. You should always change the brake fluid and bleed the lines as part of general maintenance. But, brake fluid, air in the lines and sticking calipers can not cause the foot peddle fail to return to the full upright position. This is sticking caused by dirt, lack of lube, worn and/or possibly bent parts.

+1 What ionbeam said.. You need to remove the whole brake foot peddle assembly, then clean and lube (C & L) all the parts. The part that is most likely the root cause of the sticking is the shaft under the foot peg. The only way to lube it properly is to take it all apart.

Been there, done that!

 

[nofreeride]

... clean and lube (C & L) all the parts.

+1

Lubing up the brake pedal worked for me to solve the problem you described.