Fixing Soft Brakes Issues

American and Urban Bagger Magazine staff bring you this video tutorial on how to fix your soft brake issues.

[@KodiakCO]

Nine years later and this video is STILL invaluable. You helped me rebuild my master cylinder on my 05 EGC. Thanks!

[@rhalljr31]

i like how you took your time to walk through everything and explain everything you were very thorough

[@waynegagnon474]

really informative, very well done and video is clean and clear, went through every step. THANKS doing a rebuild this spring.

[@asinamirror2253]

Why take off the throttle grip? The master cylinder is not even a part of the throttle housing.

[@mrminion577]

Well said,was thinking the same thing! I just redid mine yesterday, you don't even touch the throttle assembly.

[@michor10]

Great video, Bran. Thanks!

[@autumnstang97]

Was it necessary to remove the switch housing and throttle cables? I did my MC and only took the MC bracket and banjo bolt off.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video. God bless brother.

[@danielcampbell8184]

Why did you split switch housing and disconnect throttle cables ? Just slacken switch housing screws and slide towards outside 1/2 in or so.

[@bubbacole1657]

Great Video.. Read some of the other comments below. Removing the M/C is a great Idea to clean it completely of all corrosion. Smart to do that!!

[@kentyson4570]

Also take out the banjo bolt while the MC is still in the handle bars first before twisting that brake line like that .

[@MVW54]

Important to mention… When the piston is in the rest position, the brake fluid will be balanced via The compensation hole. This compensation hole is very small, clean this compensation hole with a very thin wire of copper, if it would clog… you are guaranteed a dragging caliper, this has already happened to me twice!!! with the Honda CBX 1000. Stay Safe.

[@TheGunny_TX]

awesome video, thank you

[@pxlacgrocky48]

我也正要更换、这个视频帮了我大忙、感谢分享！

[@goddukee]

Rebuilt mine and never removed the M/C. It's possible to do it while still on the bars. Looks like a lot of steps here that weren't necessary.

[@mikeez5455]

Grip removed? You made the job harder than it should be.

[@NativeSD53]

Thanks for the great video. Nice to know it is still helping all us DIY mechanics. Do you find that the master cylinder fails far more often than the brake caliper? I have a weak front brake (2010 Heritage classic) and figure it must be either the master or the caliper. thank you id you have time to reply to me question,

[@dannyarendall5233]

Why did u remove the throttle cables I just loosene the adj. on them and it always works

[@scottliegel855]

What if the front brake lever was very hard the pads just weren't gripping could it still be the master cylinder??

[@MrSkyliner84]

Doubt it, possibly the pads are contaminated

[@1mikefrost]

I always cover the tank first !

[@janelarson6255]

Nice tool bench customers seat.

[@gilbyguerrero8786]

Very nice job explaining. Wish you lived near me, I would let you have my business anytime.

[@Shaochieh72]

Warning DOT 5 is not compatible with ABS system!!

[@tommybrannon]

Dot 5 can be used in place of 3 or 4, just mix them. Same as you wouldn't mix 3 & 4.

[@antonyjohnson5779]

There's no need to remove the throttle cable to the Pharaohs and the hand grips you can remove the master cylinder without removing any of that other stuff waste of time

[@rodgerbambauer123]

A lot of unnecessary work going on there. Just loosen the throttle screws and leave the switch housing and throttle alone. Put the cardboard in the lever before removing the master cyl. Don't wash the master cyl. In the parts washer.....wipe it out with clean brake fluid and blow it clean with air after honing....if honing is necessary. AND...don't use the seat for a tool caddy. Unless it's you bike.

[@dekjeg]

he would not have mine y the hell did you take the throttle to bits when the cylinder is it own unit : \

[@tomgiordano500]

I was thinking the exact same thing. I am also not impressed with how well, or not so well, he protected the customer's bike with protective pads and and towels.

[@grahamserle7930]

Exactly Tom. The last thing you want is to accidently drop a screw driver or any tool onto your tank or front mudguard. We also know what brake fluid does to paintwork. He wouldn't get my bike to work on.

[@JamieS1992]

the throttle was locking the cylinder on if you looked closely

[@robertmorris3129]

@@JamieS1992 all you have to do is loosen the two screws on the throttle side and that Notch moves clear for taking the master cylinder off

[@tricgix2949]

Glad this isn't my bike . I'm sure the corrosive fluid is probably all over front of bike and don't see see why he didn't remove fluid from MC first. This is why I do my own work. To many guys that are careless when working on someone else's expensive bike

[@CAGraphics576]

DOT 5 is not corrosive to paint

[@jonathonostendorp7118]

Please don't reuse snap rings. It's just a safety hazard. If that ring breaks or falls off that pin could come out and kill your customer.

[@scottandrew3873]

There was no reason to take the throttle off lol.. master isn't connected to it.

[@djohnson3678]

what tha hell bro, when u pushed the pin in, you ruined the second seal on the shaft. , the outer seal was exposed, that belongs in the tube, not on top of the piston!.... now u need to replace the whole kit. AGAIN, free of charge.