Front Brakes, fully rebuilt no pressure.

[Pflaherty]

I’ve been working on a 79 Gl1000 I picked up about a month ago. Recently went to change the front pads and I’ve had nothing but trouble since. A local shop “magnum Powersports” luckily has almost every part I’ve needed so far but now I’m stumped. Couldn’t build pressure after changing pads, was told I should rebuild calipers and front master cylinder. Today I rebuilt both calipers and the master cylinder. I’ve bled the brakes for hours and they’ve never gotten any pressure back, went to store and got a vacuum after reading articles of others bleeding for hours and not getting pressure. After two bottles of DOT 3 I still have no pressure. I read an article that said it could be brake hoses… anyone else experienced this? Should I buy new hoses tomorrow? They definitely look a bit dry rotted and have some cracking. I just wanna ride my new bike!

[WingAdmin]

Are you getting air bubbles when you vacuum bleed, that might indicate a hose is leaking? That said, if a hose was leaking, you probably would see brake fluid weeping.

Also, try pumping the brake lever WHILE you vacuum bleed, to dislodge any air bubbles that might be in there.

[Pflaherty]

I’ll give that shot tomorrow and update if it that works! Definitely no leak in the lines. Good chance they are original or at least 20+ years old.

[Old Fogey]

I’ll give that shot tomorrow and update if it that works! Definitely no leak in the lines. Good chance they are original or at least 20+ years old.

Your hose are dry and cracking but you want to ride!?!? Are you nuts? Sorry can't help but say that!
Get a set of braided front lines. Believe me they are cheaper than the cost of a funeral.

[Pflaherty]

The outer rubber yes, but that’s not the actual line and there are no leaks. I’ve got braided lines ordered. This bike is a work in progress. It hadn’t ran in 15 years when I found it last month. Also update, the problem has been fixed. The new O-ring for one of the calipers had a super small tear in it and allowed brake fluid to seep around the caliper piston. Explaining why I could build brake pressure slightly and then lose it.