[pqbrown]

Hey everyone, I've got a 2005 636 and the front brake lever has always had a lot of play in it, even on the 1 setting, so I figured maybe I needed to bleed them. Bled them today and no improvement. I'd like to have them very tight without the play, does this mean I need new pads, or braided lines?

 

[Stormdragon]

The stock 636 brakes are excellent units that don't really require stainless lines or different pads. The radial master cylinders however, are a PITA to bleed properly. And I mean PITA! Try removing yours from the handlebar and rotating it about and or tapping it with a plastic mallet to drive any air up to the bleeder nipple. You can also pinch the feed line from the reservoir while bleeding in an attempt to suck any air out of the deeper parts of the master instead of just getting new fluid from the reservoir. Spiegler has a banjo bolt you can replace the stock item with that has a bleeder in it as well. Some people have said that's the trick, although I haven't tried it myself.

I personally folded after constantly fussing with mine and never quite getting it right, and had Dave Moss at Feelthetrack bleed mine. He's a wizard is all I can say. If you happen to be in Northern California, I'd tell you to go see him, and have your suspension adjusted as well.

 

[ervins]

+1...The brakes on those bikes are good. You do not want them so tight that it locks up...I accidentally had that on my rear and it was not fun. It locked just tapping it.

 

[pqbrown]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'd have them do it, but Florida is a bit far away! I'm going to give it a shot and see what I can do.

 

[pqbrown]

Well I tried all of the tricks and no improvement, probably need to take it to the shop. Frustrating!

 

[Stormdragon]

Well I tried all of the tricks and no improvement, probably need to take it to the shop. Frustrating!

As I said, I never got it right either. I was even carrying an 8MM with me and bleeding the nipple during rides. (At a stop, not while riding. ) If you can find someone to get it right for you, the brakes are excellent though. And I mean eyes-bulging-forward excellent. :shock:

 

[Charlie Gary]

sometimes small bubbles can get trapped in the master cylinder, and they're almost impossible to get out. One thing that may help is to remove the cover and heat the master cylinder with a hair dryer. Those who have a heat gun will know not to burn their stuff if they use that instead. anyway, heating the cylinder will cause any air bubbles to expand, and sometimes this is enough to drive them out. Removing the cover allows you to see this happen.

 

[Ericthejet]

I suggest a re-bleeding..again.