Recurring Clutch and Rear Brake Issues

[kzmille]

I wonder why no one has entertained parts swapping in this thread...

What exactly is it you are trying to change by way of this parts swapping?

[QuickHX]

What exactly is it you are trying to change by way of this parts swapping?

Defective parts. Bits that make life difficult.

This issue smells BAD... like any design flaw, is difficult to remedy and sort of (to me, anyway) kind of important. My rear brake is crap at this point.

Yes, I have some 5.1 fluid on hand and will attempt the bleed process. Wish me luck-

However, my thought is that, as suggested in this and other threads, if something in the parts as supplied on our bikes are crap, then trash them.

The other time I've run into this type of issue was as an automotive service manager; the manufacturer researched the issue and supplied proper replacement parts after bad press and a few 'lemon law' returns. The auto industry is a different animal, of course.

I've emailed Brembo's support line, but guess what- no reply as yet. I still have friends in the industry and hope to find a local rep. for a chat. (Don't hold your breath on either item ;-)

My local ape dealer suggested that 50% of the people that replaced the master had the problem go away. A $200+ gamble? Not my style.

More coffee needed....

-Tom

[kzmille]

Maybe I should have phrased that differently. What exactly is the problem that you are having with your brakes?

[QuickHX]

Maybe I should have phrased that differently. What exactly is the problem that you are having with your brakes?

Rear brake pedal limp; after a quickie "let's see what a 5-10 minute bleed will do" it grabs enough to let me know that it doesn't have much bite.

Coming off a bike with a solid metal bar linkage to a massive drum, maybe I'm expecting a lot, but a hydraulic system should allow long black marks if I so choose.

Not QUITE like my Harley-riding acquaintance that swears if you use the front brake you are sure to fall down. Smarter than dog poop, he is! ("Yup, yer one fart smeller, Pos!")

Thanks for inquiring.

-Tom

[Sal Khan]

I stand by my initial statement: Get it working then never bleed it again! Even if it turns into a black sludge.

[QuickHX]

Get it working then never bleed it again!

Ok, Ok... I'll shaddup till I do the full meal deal.

[kzmille]

Rear brake pedal limp; after a quickie "let's see what a 5-10 minute bleed will do" it grabs enough to let me know that it doesn't have much bite...

I am confident that if you bleed the way I describe you will have a functioning brake with a solid pedal. It is possible for a master cylinder to fail but even if it is perfect you must remove the caliper and position it as described to get it to work correctly. Feel free to PM me if you have any problems or questions with the procedure and I'll be glad to talk you through it. My rear brake is rock solid and the only time I bleed it is when changing the fluid.

[QuickHX]

This conversation string makes sense- an ounce of prevention, all that...

This post is the evil twin of this one:

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/s...&highlight=5.1

-Tom

Originally Posted by QuickHX
Hi René

Your post to the "Brembo USA's response to rear brake problem" thread, you said to never use 5.1 brake fluid.

Where did you get that information? I'm about to work on my rear brake, and bleed the clutch (it's fine, just in need of fresh fluid).

Thanks for any pointers to info that will clarify the claim.

Thanks!

-Tom a.k.a. 'QuickHX'
2004 Tuono

Reply:

Hello Tom!

I get that Info from a friend of mine who's an official Aprilia dealer! He has some special channels to Aprilia and Brembo in Italy! He told me not to use DOT 5.1 fluid in any Brembo system!
Technically i don't know the reason for this instruction from Brembo.
Just use Rockoil RBF 100 or AP Racing 600 and you will see, that you won't have problems with your clutch.

Hope that info will help you.

Bye René

[Bennie Blanco]

I just rebled my rear brake and this technique is awesome! Just like everyone says...once you do the second postion the pedal becomes a brick!

Thanks!

[2pist]

Unfortunatly for some of us, It only last's for a week or so....

[Sal Khan]

LIke I said before... I changed my rear brake fluid once in 2001. And that's it. Has worked since. I don't think I'm going to touch it.

[fast4d]

clutch: I installed the EVO slave cause the oem was leaking again. previous owner installed a new seal several thousand miles ago. I noticed the bore of the body had some wear marks. once bled the evo makes quite a noticable diffrence.

rear brake: I took the caliper off and bled. there were tons of air in the lines. I think the previous bleeding was done with the caliper bolted on. let's see how long the solid pedal lasts.

[SoulDaddy]

"once bled the evo makes quite a noticable diffrence."

What difference does it make? Easier clutch pull, better feel, etc?

[QuickHX]

"once bled the evo makes quite a noticable diffrence."

What difference does it make? Easier clutch pull, better feel, etc?

The advertisement:

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scrip...?idproduct=807



_________________

[vermicious]

I brought my '06/'07 (depending on who you ask) Tuono in for service on this issue at somewhere around the 1500 mile mark. The dealership indicated that this was a known issue with previous model years and said that they thought it was resolved with the current one. They ordered a warranty replacement kit that relocates the rear brake bleed nipple to the bottom of the brakes, did the service and sent me on my way.

Shortly after hitting the 4000 mile mark I once again noticed increased travel in the rear brake lever... this, eventually, progressed to the point where I (once again) had too little pressure to keep the bike from rolling back on even a mild incline. I just contacted the dealership again and they informed that there has been a recall on the Tuono for this exact issue. What they weren't able to tell me at the time of the call (they're getting back to me later today) is if the service they've already performed was related to the recall or if the recall entails something else all-together.

I took the liberty of emailing them a link to this thread figuring that, if there is no part replacement solution, they might benefit from kzmille's technique.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

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Incidentally, I'm a long time rider but I have little to no mechanical knowledge (something I'm working to resolve). So excuse my ignorance.
</edit>