Servo Brakes any info?

[Rob Farmer]

I've just been to see Mick Barr and he informs me that the Servo brakes need pressure testing every time they are worked in, apparently it's not even possible to replace the brake pads yourself - Does anybody know if this is true or not? if it is is there a manual (or CD) available from BMW for the later model GS? and if there is and somebody has one could I have a copy please?

Thanks

 

[Steptoe]

I've heard of the ABS acting funny when people change the pads- something to do with forcing the brake pistons back in, the servo system doesn't like it. Thats all i know/heard of, Leigh might be able to advise you more.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

How or why are these 'servo' brakes any different to every car on the planet. ??

 

[Fanum]

And if it was true, everytime we got a new set of hoops on our Adv's and the geezer levers the pads open a little to refit the caliper again a bit easier, it'd screw things up.

 

[Rob Farmer]

How or why are these 'servo' brakes any different to every car on the planet. ??

The Servos are electric and seem to have a mind of their own, if you press the rear brake down fully while stationary on a hill the servo releases the brake for a second or so (BMW safety feature )

I had the back wheel out over the weekend and had to lever the rear pads slightly to refit the caliper, when I turned the bike back on the Warning triangle stayed on on the dash, thats what promted the visit to Mick Barr. Even though it did eventually clear on it's own.

I'm just trying to find out as much info as I can before deciding what to do, I'm not prepared to take a bike into the dealers just to get brake pads swapped. If it is such a big deal then either the servo brakes or the bike will have to go.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Weird - didn't realise they were electric assisted servo's ?

Whats the info ?- cant beleive you can't touch the pads ?

How does anyone get round it ? tyre fitters etc ? surely not a trip to the dealers for a reset everytime ?

This sounds decidedly pants !!

what about a RTW trip ? what happens in the middle of the desert etc ?

too weird !

 

[jimbo]

Personally I do wonder whether the servo, isn't a complex solution to a problem that never really existed. Anybody who can handle the weight of a GS, should be able to pull the brake level hard enough to stop surely?
I had a go on my mates triumph daytona and the brakes were fantastic, maybe BMW should take a left from their book...

 

[(RIP) Mark Dilloway]

Had I read this thread before I did 2,800mls across Fance, Germany Poland recently I would be really worried because in March I removed my wheels and replaced my tyres with 20mls on the clock - (before you ask it was a TK to Tourance swap).

I have not noticed any untoward flashing lights or handling issues.

 

[Hedgehog]

Agree with Jimbo... there's nothing wrong with the standard 'old' brakes, but MBW had to fiddle & add something else that can go wrong.... & then there's the whining noise every time you stop... oh no, wait a mo... that's the missus

 

[Spout]

Servo brake failure thread 18/5/04:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21681

 

[leigh]

I've heard of the ABS acting funny when people change the pads- something to do with forcing the brake pistons back in, the servo system doesn't like it. Thats all i know/heard of, Leigh might be able to advise you more.

I can to a certain degree.If the brake fluid is changed (ie 12mths for wheel circuit & 24mths for control circuit) then a pressure test has to be carried out using the BMW gt1 tester.This equipment is only available to the dealer network.Costs around 6k for this piece of equipment plus another grand for the stand and we have to have it. Basically amongst other things it can perform a pressure test on the braking system and issue a print out which we have to keep. Forcing the pistons back can upset the abs which is another of the reasons for having this piece of kit.

 

[BBB61]

Leigh,

If you are changing brake pads on a servo braked GS at home, what precautions do you need to take?

Bob

 

[leigh]

Push them back very carefully,slowly.just enough to fit the pads.Use genuine pads

 

[Rob Farmer]

Looks like I'm either replacing the brakes or selling the bike. WTF do BMW think their playing at coming up with this bollocks on a bike??? it wouldn't be so bad if it actually improved the brakes, but it doesn't this is my 6th and last BMW if they think this is a subtle means of tying in customers to their service network then they have just lost another customer

 

[MrIFan]

Rob if you decide to sell I'll start the bidding

£10

Well you know, servo hassle and all

But seriously, just tried the new 1200gs, brakes and ABS much better but I would still rip everything off and stick on Goodridge lines and a better matched master cylinder, maybe callipers too. Just can't see the need for over complicating a proven system, especialy when the complicated sollution performs worse, in almost, if not every situation IMHO.

Ian

 

[Spanish Bob]

its not as if the brakes are any good! Unless you like on/off!

 

[Steptoe]

who remembers the honda VT500 and the inboard covered brakes ; Hondas answer to a problem that never existed . lets hope this isn't BM's answer.

 

[malc]

servo brakes

I changed my rear pads on my sevo asst 50R a month ago with no problems only losing the bloody daft clip that holds the pin but got some from local car accessory shop for nowt so ive even got some spares now.
I used ferodo pads from motoworks was carefull pushing the pistons back & was just carefull but you dont need to pump the brakes back up as when you turn the ignition on the servo takes up the slack & then you pump the brakes.
Ive done over 2000m with them in now with no probs what so ever 1500 of them was the last 5 days up in scotlands west coast its really not worth selling the bike 4. just be carefull.
Malc

 

[Rob Farmer]

Nice one Malc. I'll give it a go when the pads are due for changing.

It's a cracking bike and would be a shame to let it go. I was just miffed at the thought of taking it in for something as simple as brake pads.

 

[Steptoe]

I've changed pads without any problems on servo bikes, but i've heard of people having all sorts of trouble. I wouldn't know where to start if i did get problems. Perhaps i shouldn't have said that, bearing in mind i work on them, but i'm only being honest.