How Do I Detect a Leak in a Motorcycle Brake Line?
A leaking motorcycle brake line will probably result in a decrease in stopping ability. If your motorcycle's brakes appear to be losing their force, you should check for a brake-line leak -- and do it immediately, because postponing it can result in sudden brake failure. An understanding of simple hydraulics and a knowledge of mechanical linkages will be helpful. Repairing motorcycle brake lines is similar to repairing brake lines on any type of vehicle except that motorcycle brake lines are usually easier to access. The average weekend mechanic should be able to complete this repair in about an hour.
Instructions
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Park the motorcycle on a hard floor over a mat of clean newspaper or any kind of paper that extends the full length of the motorcycle. Press the brakes for 10 seconds and release them. Look on the paper under the motorcycle for drops of brake fluid. Put on safety glasses and look up from any drops for leaks in the brake lines.
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Observe the connections to the master cylinders located on the handlebars and by the foot pedal for leaks while a helper operates the brakes. Check for wet spots and leaks around the fittings and brake lines in that area, also.
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Add fluid to the master cylinders until they are at their proper level, marked inside the cylinder. Have a helper operate the brakes. Check the fluid level in both master cylinders and see if it goes down after the brakes are operated.
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Check the rubber parts of the brake lines for soft spots, damp spots and cracks. Have a helper operate the brakes while you observe whether there are any leaks in the rubber parts of the brake lines or their metal fittings.
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Check the brake lines where they connects to the brake calipers on the rear wheel and the front wheel. Look for wet or damp spots. Check for loose fittings. Observe the connections to the brake calipers and the cylinder(s) inside them for leaks as a helper operates the brakes.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not ride the motorcycle until all leaks are fixed.
References
- Photo Credit motorcycle image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
