Sticky Brake Lever

[Greengo]

I have a '96 11RT, that just recently developed a sticky brake lever (front). I didn't even notice it until one day I wanted to make sure my LED "Brake"light was working properly (by the way I LOVE this light. It's way better than anything I've seen). I noticed that my light was on all the time and thought it was a light malfunction. But, no it is the brake lever not returning fully to the "released" position. I've tried spraying WD-40 into the areas that move, but it had zero effect. SO, HERE'S MY QUESTION; DOES ANYONE HAVE A CURE FOR THE PROBLEM, SHORT OF TAKING THE BRAKE CYLINDER APART?:dunno Thanks, dlg

[warredon]

My K1 was doing the same thing when I bought it about a year ago. It would return almost all the way except about the last 1/4 of an inch. About a month later it started leaking, and got worse rather quickly. I bought a repair kit from Beemer Boneyard. When I took it apart I found the cylinder to be clean and smooth, but under the rubber boot and around the shaft I found a lot of some type of hardened crap that appeared to be keeping it from returning all of the way.

I don't know if this is your problem, but I have a feeling that you will need to take it apart in order to find out. After cleaning and sanding the bore with some very fine paper I installed the new piston. It hasn't leaked since and the lever now returns fully.

[j-budimlya]

same thing just happened to my '95 R1100R....I am in the middle of rebuilding it this week....bore clean....slight corrosion at the top edge.....probably some moisture induced.....and I have flushed brake fluid at least once per year since new.....still happened....

[Greengo]

Thanks you guys. It wasn't what I wanted to hear, but it looks like I need to take it apart and fix it.

Thanks again.

[Chubbyknuckles]

I have the same bike and had the same problem. Check the brake lever pivot bolt. It goes in from the bottom of the housing and has a split bushing that lightly presses into the lever. Mine had corroded to the point that the bushing was binding on the bolt. A quick disassembly, cleaning and a little grease was all it took. It's a five or ten minute job.

[bmwroadsterca]

Ditto. It was the lever pivot on my 1995 R1100R. Just cleaned and lubed and it was fine.

mike

[Greengo]

Thanks everyone, you helped me avoid more extensive work than needed! It was indeed a sticky pivot bolt. I removed it, lubricated it, and put it back...and wolla!...No more sticky pivot bolt.:dance

[warredon]

:thumb :thumb :thumb:thumb :thumb