Front brake issue...

[cb919er]

So, I'm trying to help my dad restore his '77 goldwing. We haven't tackled this problem head on yet, but we do know it's going to be an issue.

So, let me explain what's happening, whenever we grab the front brake lever, the brakes grab, but don't release. When we get ready to rebuild the master I know about making the little return hole is clear, but is there anything else that could be causing this issue?

Moving to the rear of the bike, the rear brake used to have to be pumped before any brake pressure would build. I know, "BLEED THE BRAKES!!!!" well, that's been done, many times, and the problem never went away. I think we're going to try and rebuild the rear master soon as well. Anything I need to look out for with the rebuild? Or, do you know any other bike in which we may be able to do a "master" swap?

We're hoping to get the bike back on the road for spring... .
Thanks for the help...

[edgecrusher4444]

Rust in the caliper. Piston rusted not allowing it to back off. Pretty common for a bike of that age. Rebuild the caliper seals and make sure the piston is clean/smooth. Might as well rebuild the MC too and flush out the lines for sure.

[SV650s]

^^ Good advise. Rebuild ALL hydraulic components. Take a close look at the rubber brake lines. If they are original it's time to toss them in favor of stainless steel brake lines. G&J can hook you up with a complete set of new brake lines.

[mcromo44]

Be very careful to make sure the sealing grooves in the caliper body where the piston sealing ring fits into, is free of corrosion. Old brake fluid picks up water from the atmosphere and corrodes the aluminum. Often there is two problems. Freeing up the piston is one. The second comes real soon after the rebuild, when brake fluid starts creeping around the sealing ring using the corrosion path. I have first hand experience with this from one of my ancient CB750s of that era.

[Sniper]

Those guys^are probably right. Just something to keep in mind tho, I have an 07 CBR600RR that had front brakes that would not release. The lever had to have some metal removed so it could work properly. So if after the rebuild, and you are going to get SS lines, make sure the lever is free to move as it should.

How cool is that? Helping your Dad restore his Wing? I'm jelous.

[Bigdaa]

Progress reports, please. Remember cylinder honing when rebuilding, and don't be afraid to ask a shop for advice as to whether or not the parts are beyond serviceable.

[Tiger1050]

The older wings came with rubber hose's.

They swell internally and act as a one way valve, I have encountered this several times.

Pull break then release, open brake line bleeder if the cylinder release's your hose's are shot.

[Shaughnessy]

This Tiger1050 guy probably doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.

[Tiger1050]

Some are more full of it than others