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Mastiff front brake issue

PostPosted: Mon May 26, 2014 11:35 am
by breakwellmz
Over the last few months my ten year old(But only 6,000 mile)Mastiff has developed an`issue`.
The movement the front brake handlebar lever goes through before the brake`bites`has become inconsistent.It can go from very little movement to almost back to the bar. Inconsistent is the key word here,it doesn't`pump up`as i understand the term either.
There are no leaks,nor have i recently changed pads or fluid.
Any suggestions as to what the fault may be would be much appreciated.
It wasn't picked up at the last Mot either.

Cheers.

Re: Mastiff front brake issue

PostPosted: Mon May 26, 2014 12:55 pm
by DAVID THOMPSON
Dirty fluid.

may be the reason do a flush of the system and apply new fluid
brake fluid loves water and needs changed every 2 to 4 years see the mfg spec on this
and do cover the faring speedo and tank brake fluid loves to eat plastic

pucks may be sticking in the caliper causing the lever to not respond normal

i recommend a complete clean and flush
dave

my rt125 had not been braking very well on the rear a complete flush has improved things a whole bunch,
plus i moved the pucks in and out several times and got them where they worked free..
the were hard to move when changing the pads

Re: Mastiff front brake issue

PostPosted: Mon May 26, 2014 4:33 pm
by breakwellmz
Hi.

Thanks David.
I didn't think brake fluid was hygroscopic or corrosive these days,perhaps i`ve got that wrong.
If so,i suppose it`s the most obvious culprit.Saying that,it`s happening during even moderate braking where i would of thought i would be well away from boiling any water that may be in the fluid.
As you suggest,i`ll pop the pads out and see if the caliper pistons move as they should.

Cheers

Re: Mastiff front brake issue

PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2014 7:29 am
by breakwellmz
Should have checked the very obvious first-The fluid level was way
down :oops:
All sorted now :D
I did give me the chance to fit some stainless reservoir cover screws,which were a good 4mm longer.
This is not the first time that i have been able to fit longer fastenings than the original ones,the holes being much deeper than the fastenings going into them-The two oil feed`banjo`attachment bolts(LH underside of engine),the larger of the two side stand attachment bolts,as well as the above two cover screws.
Someone at the factory trying to save a few pennies and grammes?