Rear brake failiure

Bryn

Well-known member
Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 20, 2003
Messages
14,040
Reaction score
449
Location
South Leicestershire
Approx 1 month ago I changed the rear pads on my 1150GS ABS, by simply pushing the caliper pistons out enough to get a new pair in.
Everything worked fine, done about 100 miles including the Leicestershire Ford ride, with no problems.

Got on the bike this morning, and the rear brake felt just like it was full of air, I could pump it up a bit but it was unusable.

Geoff Deacon (venerable member of this forum) kindly bled the rear brakes whilst i was at work, and now they seem fine.

Theory: pushing the fluid back up the Abs lines sends the seals the `wrong way` and they eventually `flick back` creating a small vacuum, which manifests itself as air in the lines....


This has come from a work mate who reckons he used to come across this problem on certain ABS equipped Nissans.

Anybody else come across the same sort of problem? :confused:
 
How strange, I know you have to be carefull with the 1200 but i have done just the same as you and , touch wood, no problem but i'll take note.
 
Addendum to Technical Booklet

There's a loose leaf page in the back of the service booklet which states

"Warning:BMW Integral ABS: Do not press the brake pads back further than is necessary.Immediately consult a specialist workshop, preferably a BMW motorcycle dealer, if brake fluid escapes from the bleed hose when the brake pads are being pressed back."

How far is necessary? - how long is a piece of string? Doesn't give any explanation - perhaps one of our BMW dealer members could throw some light on this.

Ade
 
Just a thought.

Why not stick a bit of bleed hose from the nipple into a jar of brake fluid & Crack open the nipple. when you push the pads / pistons back, the resistance will be minimal.

Baz
 
Baz said:
Just a thought.

Why not stick a bit of bleed hose from the nipple into a jar of brake fluid & Crack open the nipple. when you push the pads / pistons back, the resistance will be minimal.

Baz
Baz, thats just what's been suggested to me today... That way no pushing the fluid backwards....:) Bryn
 
might need two pairs of hands to apply pressure to the pads, open bleed nipple, shut nipple, release pressure.
 


Back
Top Bottom