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soft/squishy front brakes

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by xjstewart81, Jan 30, 2013.

  1. xjstewart81

    xjstewart81 Member

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    Can anyone just tell me what to do to remedy this? If it means steel braided lines, sweet, but can I get links to places that sell em so I can just buy em and be done? I'd like to make this little project as easy as I can...

    Thanks wizards!
     
    xjstewart81, Jan 30, 2013
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  2. maximike

    maximike Member

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    What have you already done and how far are you willing to go? Here's the real answer, the brakes on these bikes are old technology and have limited potential. That being said, to get them working as well as possible; rebuild master cylinder, change to steel lines, rebuild calipers, put new pads on, make sure you have new fluid and all the air is bled out, and you may even want full floating discs for the best braking. Or swap front ends with a more modern bike.
     
    maximike, Jan 30, 2013
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  3. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    What it means is a full rebuild of your brake hydraulic system, including new lines. The caliper and master cylinder seals were only supposed to have lasted TWO years; they will need to be replaced.

    Just slapping stainless lines on does not a full brake rebuild make. And a full rebuild is what you NEED to do. Your life depends on it.
     
    bigfitz52, Jan 30, 2013
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  4. xjstewart81

    xjstewart81 Member

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    Is there a walkthrough around here somewhere? Sounds daunting...
    Can you link to rebuild parts/kits/lines etc? I've got a book.
     
    xjstewart81, Jan 30, 2013
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  5. randomxj2012

    randomxj2012 Member

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    sorry to jump on on the thread but does anyone know the bore size of our mc ? and if its good enough to push four pot r1 brakes?
     
    randomxj2012, Jan 30, 2013
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  6. xjstewart81

    xjstewart81 Member

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    get your own thread, mate! ;) but seriously.....
     
    xjstewart81, Jan 30, 2013
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  7. maximike

    maximike Member

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    It's not all that hard to do the full rebuild, really all "rebuild" is is routine maintenance that was ignored. A master cylinder rebuild kit is just a new piston and seals. The caliper rebuild involves popping that piston out to clean behind the seals and replace those. Lines are as easy as turning a wrench. Most people find bleeding the brakes difficult, but it isn't. Not the way I do it. There are write ups for all this. Start with master cylinder rebuild to boost your confidence, it's pretty easy, as long as your old master isn't too trashed.

    Boom: http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=18377.html
     
    maximike, Jan 30, 2013
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  8. xjstewart81

    xjstewart81 Member

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    I dont *think* its trashed. Havent looked at it though...
    Thanks for all that! Sounds like a good start.

    I'll be back...
     
    xjstewart81, Jan 30, 2013
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  9. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The hardest part of doing a Front-end Brake Job is getting the Circlip out from is locating channel in the Bore of the Master Cylinder.

    You need a Circlip tool narrow enough to fit between the end of the O.D. of the Piston and the I.D. of the Master Cylinder Bore.

    I sacrificed an old pair of Needle Nosed Pliers.
    Slimmed them down at the Bench Grinder.
    Touched them up with a Dremel Sanding Drum.
    Finished them up by holding them in a Vice and "Shoe-shining" them with 400 and 600.

    [​IMG]
     
    RickCoMatic, Jan 30, 2013
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