[Dukesterman]

Hi Guys

I am having an issue with the front brake in that i needing to pump the lever twice to get full braking .
If i pull the brake lever once i have brakes but they are not really strong the second pump gives me full confident braking.

The weather over here has gone up about 10 degrees celcius am im wondering if thats got something to do with it.
The lines dont seem to be leaking can anyone help with some advice.

 

[DucatiGuy]

Sounds like there's air in the system....

Have you done any work to your brakes or removed them? Have the lines ever been pulled off? If so you may need to bleed them again. Even if you've never worked on them or had the lines off, I think you should give them a good once-over bleed job to be certain i's not air in the system...

At the same time check out the pads. See what condition they're in, and if they're worn out or abnormally thin, replace them. Then check the lines for the obvious leaks, kinks and so fourth. If everything checks out, then you may want to have your brake lever (cylinder) checked out. The caliper pistons could also be a culprit but not likely in your situation.

Start with the a good bleed job and go on from there...

 

[dagor6]

Mine had a problem with getting air in them, just bleed them. If that doesn't work drag them into the dealer.

 

[Dan Kyle]

If the problem keeps reoccuring, it may be a bent disc.

 

[jarelj]

Either air in the line, as stated above, or a warped rotor. If you have a warped rotor, it will slap the pads back in the caliper a little bit while you're riding, and then your first pull of the lever takes up the slack and the 2nd pump presses the pads harder into the rotor to get full braking. Then it repeats again after you let off the brakes and the pads are pressed back into the caliper again. This can be a very sall amount of movement but very noticeable at the lever. It's a familiar issue to track riders without floating rotors, some rotors tend to warp if they get really hot and then you get this situation.

 

[gillistheman]

If the problem keeps reoccuring, it may be a bent disc.

being a dirty mechanic man, i agree with this. The air in the line would cause spongyness. The fact that you have to hit the brake twice is probably indicating the pistons in one of the calipers being pushed excessively back into the bore. Thus, it takes 1 pump to bring the pistons back out, and another to apply pressure. get the front end in the air (while stationary...) and spin the front wheel, looking for excessive side to side movement. I assume you don't have a dial indicator and mount, but if you did, you could check the runout of the rotor.

 

[gillistheman]

whoops, sorry jarelj, missed your post... what he said.

 

[kennnyb]

If you apply the brake when the bike is stationary and get the lever firm, leave the bike for 20 mins or so and try it again. If it is firm there is no air in the system and warped rotors would be my next thing to check.

 

[jamilsiddique]

Well while we are on the subject of brakes has anyone ever changed or upgraded their brake lines from the standard lines. I thinking of putting steel braided lines such as goodridge of venhill. ideas and thoughts appreciated.

Regard

 

[Mr848]

The stockies are steel braided lines??

 

[paddyduc]

Don't fix it till it's broke!

 

[Visitor Q]

The stockies are steel braided lines??

They are and I would just bleed the brakes and install Speed Bleeders in the process. Easy job but be sure to not get brake fluid ANYWHERE! $hit is nasty stuff so keep a bucket of water nearby, water neutralizes brake fluid.

Jason