Expert: Mike Wells - 10/11/2006

Question
I know you only cover Harleys and I have one of them also, but I have a Buell (half Harley ) and I rebuilt the Master Cylinder and caliper after having problems with the front brake locking up.  It is a 97 S3 Thunderbolt with a 6 piston front caliper by Performance Machine.  I did find black gunk in the Master cylinder that appeared to be from the seals breaking down.  My problem is I can't get any pressure now by bleeding the brakes manually.  I an getting fluid out of the bleeder valve but no pressure.  Is there a trick to this, that maybe I don't know?  Like yourself I have been working on my own Harley's for over 25 years.  I would hate to have to take it apart again as they say you shouldn't reuse the O rings and gaskets again.  Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Answer
If you are getting brake fluid out the bleeder then you are moving fluid through the master cylinder. Make sure you have all the air out or they wont work. in the master cylinder the hole is very small for the fluid to go through so it takes along time to bleed all the air out. You can check the master cylinder, after the air is out, by removing the brake line from the caliber and hold your finger over it and pump the brake. you should feel pressure.
If that is working then you need to check the caliber. If you had alot of junk int he master cylinder then its also inthe caliber.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike