Re: Y2K meets original

[Dan Wallander <triumph99@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul, Dee

My brake lever feel was getting very mushy and to my tastes not giving me the
best of feedback, though the brakes were still working well.  I took the
calipers off and pumped the brake lever while watching the pistons.  The
rearmost pistons never moved until the front pistons were fully extended, then
the outer piston of the rear set fully extended before the inner rear piston
started moving.   I've never had four piston calipers on my previous bikes (or
cars) so maybe I'm missing something, but I imagine that all four pistons should
be moving the same amount and the same time and applying the same pressure
against the pads.  Am I missing something, or is this how the caliper works
without the disc between the pads?  After cleaning and working the pistons back
and forth a couple of times, the lever feel came back and one finger braking
producing near stoppies (very linear braking power and no grabbiness).  After
about 500 miles, the mushiness in the lever is working its way back in and it
takes more effort at the lever to produce the same stopping power.

Dan
Santa Fe

Paul Steinbacher wrote:

> Dan,
>
> I don't think the pistons seize; Something else is going on that no one has
> come up with an explanation for, at least none that I have seen posted. The
> symptom seems to be that the brakes, (lever) gets mushy after some period of
> time/mileage. I have noted that removing the wheel or calipers, forcing the
> pads (pistons) back, then reassembling brings STATIC feel at the lever back
> to a very solid feel. I just replaced my pads last night and took the time
> to clean everything (pistons included) thoroughly. The lever is solid and
> engages instantly! This has happened to me before though, and I totally
> expect to be back to ground zero within a few weeks. All of this is not
> meant to say that the brakes do not function during use with a mushy lever!
> Even though I can bring the lever right against the grip at times (sitting
> at a standstill) I would certainly not attempt this little trick when using
> the brakes. Mushy lever and all the brakes function very well indeed. I'm
> not sure I would want any more braking power than I have available. Grabbing
> a handful during a panic situation you know.
>
> Paul & Dee


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