97 Traveller master cylinder

[salo_t]

Hey folks, I know this has already been brought up but I couldnt seem to find a straight answer yet.

The problem I'm having is that the rear brake is spongy and will not stop the bike. I changed out the brake fluid and after bleeding the brakes it did not seem to help at all. Does this point to a bad master cylinder? There is no leaking fluid at all. Just wondering if there is something I might have missed.
Also does anybody know what the part number is or what other bikes out there might use the same master cylinder? The bike was sitting for about 6 months before I perchased it so I'm thinking the seals may have gone bad.

I would appreciate any help, by the way this site is awesome!

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i hate hydraulic brakes on bikes
the rear on my rt125 blew the brake light switch twice
and both times it was a beast to get bled
the front on the 1995 saxon tour was the same beast when i replaced the
almost 10 year old fluid in it
i had a r90s bmw for 28 years and and its front dual disk setup
fluid changes can also be said to be a pain in the A**

i have never had any bad parts just old dirty fluid and lots of air
to get out of the systems there just doesnt seem to be any easy way
that i have found to get it done

[salo_t]

Thanks Dave, I'll have to try and bleed it again but I'm pretty sure I got all the air, better check it again though before spending any money.

[simon duval smith]

Hi Salo

I know this type of problem. Always work from the end backwards - start at the caliper - the sponginess is likely movement (or lack of movement) of a partly seized caliper or spongy, faulty brake pad(s). Make sure the caliper is sliding properly, strip and grease the right parts, ensure the spring (if there is one) is holding the pad close to the disc but allowing the return action of the seal to just bring the pad away from the disc enough for running clearance. Also check the disc is not loose or warped - if is not running true it will 'knock back' the pads and you have to overcome this extra gap every time you brake. Then check the flexible line(s) are not swelling when you press the pedal - if they 'balloon' out, the sponginess is the effort of expanding the flexible hose. Try clamping the hose with a proper clamp or witrh Mole (self-locking) pliers with some prtection around the hose.
The master cylinder is the last place to look - usually they just stop working - the fluid runs past the seal when you brake and leaks out. On bleeding, if pumping the lever gently while bleeding does not work (sometimes because the caliper is lower than the master cylinder and air travels upwards), try fitting a long clear piace of plastic tubing and bring the end of this up higher than the master cylinder, into a bottle with a bit of fluid in the bottom. Keep pumping gently...
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Simon

[F0ul_Oli]

Just thought I'd add my 2 (enter denomination here) worth!

One problem I had recently which felt very similar to what you have was caused by air locks in the master cylinder.

The way I got them out was to leave the lever tied over night (a good 24 hours) - this helps get those microscopic air bubbles out which can cause sponginess.

Another problem is as Simon said, make sure you have good movement by greasing everything that might move!!

Hope this helps a little.

F0ul

[keithcross]

Sometimes this problem can be caused by the pins the calpier slides on being worn, or the holes the pins slide in being worn. This is quite common on Honda's

Keith

[salo_t]

Thanks to everyone that replied this is some good advice, I'll give it another shot this weekend so wish me luck.

Here's a pic of my ride.

[/img]

[MrShitake]

Hi, I am completely enjoying my '97 Traveller I bought from SaloT, no complaints.....but still need some brake help....I would like to fix, or better....UPGRADE my brakes.... rear brakes are spongey, front brakes pulse slightly. Can anyone PLEASE give me a source for upgrade brake parts for my '97 Skorp Traveller. I looked at EBC brakes direct.....hard to tell what the parts they offer even LOOK like.

Thanks, Gary

[chrisa]

I have an '02 Traveller and the rear brake is spongy just like yours. I pretty much gave up on it after bleeding it several times. It's just weak. That said, I don't bother to use the rear that much on any bike so the sponginess doren't bother me.

As for the front, the brake is pulsing because the rotor is warped. I warped mine pretty soon after I got it. I ordered a replacement rotor from EBC Direct along with new pads and the front braking is quite good now. EBC was good to do business with and it came from the UK in decent time. You will have to widen the mounting hole in the EBC pad. I used a drill.

Good luck.

Chris

[MrShitake]

HI, thanks so much for the info...