Servo failure?

Mav

Mav

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When to get on my GSA to go to work this morning, once started got the usual flashing red brake failure light while I started the bike up... Still didn't stop once the engine started... but I've known this happen in the past, with it going out in the first few metres... however today, the light failed to go out and I never got more than residual braking. At this point, I paid more attention... and noticed that I couldn't hear the servo activating on pulling the brake lever. So tried, stopping and restarting the engine... still the same symptoms :(

Soooo... any chance this is just a dodgy connection somewhere? I have just had the bike rebuilt...

If the servo has failed... is there a serverectomy option where I can get it removed... but still keep the ABS?

Plan C would be to get the servo replaced?
 
I'm no expert, but check the obvious, lamps out, brake levers and pedals returning ok. Next, plugging it in to a GS-911 diagnostic to see what's wrong, someone here may have one in the Gloucester area. If the servo is faulty a change of brake fluid may help to flush the system. After that, there are places that service these units, I've posted a link before I think, you'd need to search
 
IF it's gone hope you have a big DEEP wallet!!
Sherlock's said if the fluid aint changed regular and the servo fail's £1800 thank you sir.
BUT i did read on hear somware that you can do away with it all and have regular brake's and apparently they were better.
BUT THE I KNOW NOWT:D
 
crumbles said:
IF it's gone hope you have a big DEEP wallet!!
Sherlock's said if the fluid aint changed regular and the servo fail's £1800 thank you sir.
BUT i did read on hear somware that you can do away with it all and have regular brake's and apparently they were better.
BUT THE I KNOW NOWT:D
Click to expand...
Holy crap! I just checked, and yep, it does indeed look like £1800 just for the part!!!

The bike has been regularly serviced so changing of brake fluid shouldn't be the problem...

Taking it off means losing the ABS...
 
IIRC new front brake pipes required, rear brake pipe can be unbolted from unit and connected to rear brake, just need new rear brake light switch :rob
 
luckylucian said:
IIRC new front brake pipes required, rear brake pipe can be unbolted from unit and connected to rear brake, just need new rear brake light switch :rob
Click to expand...

But that takes out the ABS, right?
 
I am sure there was thread where someone said they had a servo fault. He took the thing apart and found out that one of the brushes for the motor was stuck and after a bit of a clean up he got it working again fine.
 
I've just had my Servo removed (R1150GS Adv).
Bike is now 5kilos lighter, Brakes are as sharp as ever, no annoying servo sound,
brakes work with ignition switched off - the way it should be.
If servos were such a brilliant idea BMW would probably still be using them.
Obviously losing the servo means losing the ABS, but thats not the end of the world
on an 85BHP bike
 
I am maybe missing something here but ... the servo is a pump which switches on when told to by a switch in the braking system could be pressure activated but a switch none the less. Now you saw the pump is not activating, no whirring sound, that does not mean its the servo thats Fecked! At £1800 a throw how's about looking at this a bit more scientifically? Check the switching mechanism is working, then if need be get the servo unit out and have a right good look at it, is the motor jammed? For god's sake we are talking £ 1800 notes and the attitude is it fecked lets get it removed! No get it sorted out first if possible. BUT I will say this I have had many cars old new and most of them have done thousands nay in some cases hunders of thousands of miles and not one has ever had a problem with a brake servo unit, what the fuck does BMW make the bike servo units out of chocolate FFS what a load of shite they put in their bikes! I love my GS but shite like this just gets my back up it really does. But I repeat get yer mitts dirty and get the bike in bits and have a bash at sorting the thing don't just roll over and say its fecked until you have exhausted the possiblity of repair. Just my 10 penny worth its a crap day here end of rant:D
 
jwpzx9r said:
I am maybe missing something here but ... the servo is a pump which switches on when told to by a switch in the braking system could be pressure activated but a switch none the less. Now you saw the pump is not activating, no whirring sound, that does not mean its the servo thats Fecked! At £1800 a throw how's about looking at this a bit more scientifically? Check the switching mechanism is working, then if need be get the servo unit out and have a right good look at it, is the motor jammed? For god's sake we are talking £ 1800 notes and the attitude is it fecked lets get it removed! No get it sorted out first if possible. BUT I will say this I have had many cars old new and most of them have done thousands nay in some cases hunders of thousands of miles and not one has ever had a problem with a brake servo unit, what the fuck does BMW make the bike servo units out of chocolate FFS what a load of shite they put in their bikes! I love my GS but shite like this just gets my back up it really does. But I repeat get yer mitts dirty and get the bike in bits and have a bash at sorting the thing don't just roll over and say its fecked until you have exhausted the possiblity of repair. Just my 10 penny worth its a crap day here end of rant:D
Click to expand...
I think you are missing something... I specifically state replacing the servo motor as Plan C... as in to be considered after Plans A and B have failed :blast
 
No worries mav just having a rant anyway!:D But what is it with BMW and their shitty braking systems??? I think if you told any car driver his servo was daffied and it was going to cost £1800 for the job to be a good'un they would lamp you fullstop. Truth is BMW are to a very large extent taking the piss, and too many of the owners simply roll over. I know I am going to take pelters but no and I mean no Japanese motorcycle manufacturer would get away with what BMW are foisting on their faithful customers, and nor would they out of a sense of reputation. End of second rant of the day weather is still pish!:D
 
Just got back and first investigation reveals that neither brake pedal or lever is triggering the brake light...
 
Good O Mav hopefully just a minor electrical fault!
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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