Rear brake reservoir question

[JGroves]

While checking out a broken wire coming from my speedo "sensor" on the rear drive, I discovered that my rear brake reservoir was empty (brakes working fine). I put new pads on a few months ago. I haven't noticed any leakage. Can I just top it up and go on? It doesn't appear to have gotten low enough to get air in the lines, but obviously something "ain't right". '99 model, 63,000 miles.

And there is seepage around the speedo sender unit where it is attached to the drive - must this be gear oil? I can't think of what else it would be (surely not my missing brake fluid?). Is this bad, or normal... (both)??

Go 'Eers.

[jzeiler]

I would go ahead and push back the pistons in the rear caliper anyway just to see if fluid will show up in the reservoir, then add to fill. That will ensure you have the proper level. Also give you a chance to look at the pads, they may be worn more than you think.

[DanMartin]

While checking out a broken wire coming from my speedo "sensor" on the rear drive, I discovered that my rear brake reservoir was empty (brakes working fine). I put new pads on a few months ago. I haven't noticed any leakage. Can I just top it up and go on? It doesn't appear to have gotten low enough to get air in the lines, but obviously something "ain't right". '99 model, 63,000 miles.

And there is seepage around the speedo sender unit where it is attached to the drive - must this be gear oil? I can't think of what else it would be (surely not my missing brake fluid?). Is this bad, or normal... (both)??

Go 'Eers.

Seepage is normal. Clean this each time you change gear oil in rear. I agree with above note to push pistons back in caliper. Assures you of no air in line.

I assume "Go 'Eers" is Mountaineers?

Dan Martin
flatlands

[Dick]

While checking out a broken wire coming from my speedo "sensor" on the rear drive, I discovered that my rear brake reservoir was empty (brakes working fine). I put new pads on a few months ago. I haven't noticed any leakage. Can I just top it up and go on? It doesn't appear to have gotten low enough to get air in the lines, but obviously something "ain't right". '99 model, 63,000 miles.

And there is seepage around the speedo sender unit where it is attached to the drive - must this be gear oil? I can't think of what else it would be (surely not my missing brake fluid?). Is this bad, or normal... (both)??

Go 'Eers.
Once upon a time..... I removed the rear brake reservoir cap and looked down in there, and OMG, where'd all the fluid go?????? :eek: So I added a leetle at a time, 'til I thought - dang, this thang sure doesn't hold much!!! :rolleyes: So, I got to pokin' around in there, and suddenly realized that the rubberized diaphragm thangie (tech term!) wuz still in place; hadn't come off with the cap, and there actually wuz plenty of brake fluid in there!!! DUH!! Luckily, I didn't spill anythang --- that time!!

[JGroves]

Hehe...

I changed out the rear pads recently, but not the front. I've read some confusing things about the various model year differences and linked this and 3 reservoirs that, etc. Could worn pads in the front have an effect on the rear reservoir? The rear pads were very worn, and I had to push the pistons in a great deal to fit the new pads. There seemed to be plenty of fluid in the reservoir at that point. I'll take a closer look tonight, but I could not identify any leaks.

[jzeiler]

The '99 has the "unlinked" brakes for lack of a better term. The rear reservoir is only affected by the rear pads (or a leak). If you had fluid in there during the install and it is not there now either the pads have worn down awfully quick or you have a leak. Not uncommon on that age of a bike depending on how often the fluids were flushed. One member had a rear MC blow at CCR and after that was fixed the rear brake line went (all on a '99).

[FredR]

John are you bringing your flushing kit to Ironhorse next weekend? I would be interested in trying to learn to flush my system.

[JGroves]

Pads are still like new, and I can't find a trace of anything leaking - though I may not be looking in the right place (it's going somewhere!). I'll top it off and keep a close eye on it.

Thanks for the tips.

[jzeiler]

John are you bringing your flushing kit to Ironhorse next weekend? I would be interested in trying to learn to flush my system.

I guess I might as well Fred, 10 day weather outlook has Friday as a (traditional) rain day. I'll be packing for two as the wife is coming but I should have room for the kit.

[FredR]

I guess I might as well Fred, 10 day weather outlook has Friday as a (traditional) rain day. I'll be packing for two as the wife is coming but I should have room for the kit.

Thanks John, I will throw large can of unopened brake fluid in the bike in the event we/you have time to do this.

[jzeiler]

A pint will just do the wheel circuits, and another will do the control circuits. Your choice two pints or a quart. Dot 4 (synthetic Dot 4 is OK) only.