Rear Brake Just Went Out

[Zac]

Hey all,

I just recently got a 1985 454 LTD as a fun project to try to restore and fix up. I am extremely new with motorcycles and am just trying to gain some experience, knowledge and have fun as I fix everything.

When I got the bike (A week ago), it started cold and ran really smooth. I took it out for an hour today and during riding, the rear brake went out completely. I didn't hear a noise or anything, it just stopped working and there is no stopping or pressure when I step on it.

I "somewhat" get the process of bleeding brakes, but what are the appropriate steps as to what I should be checking and what order should I do them in? I ask this because I don't to attempt to do things such as inspect/repair and do them in improper order.

Also, if I should post pictures please let me know.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

Zach

[Blaine]

Rear brake is cable operated not haludritic.No fluid like the front......Move the pedal up & down & see is the cable & linkage is moving.......The rear wheel must be removed to check the brake shoes.

[Zac]

Thank you for the reply Blaine,



I just tried moving the pedal it and it seems that the cable and linkage are moving, any ideas on what I should do next?

[eaglerider]

Could vry well be that it just needs adjusting. you need to get a manual.....a great help in learning about and fixing things on the bike.

[Blaine]

Oct 22, 2016 20:52:12 GMT -6 Zac said:

Thank you for the reply Blaine,



I just tried moving the pedal it and it seems that the cable and linkage are moving, any ideas on what I should do next?

If you have a lot of play in the up & down movement of the pedal you may need a adjustment or new shoes.

[knoizy]

You need the manual and tools Zach, the brakes have to work perfectly and a "somewhat" repair isn't really an option. The rear wheel has more components than you might think and must be re-assembled correctly with new grease and split pins. When I came to service the 454 rear brake for the first time I missed tightening a nut with the spanner because I'd already done it finger tight and fifty miles later the torque arm came loose and smashed the entire rear arm assembly into the frame. That was a mistake by someone who has worked on a few bikes in a well stocked garage and forgot to double check each step from the manual. Trust me, you don't want to be doing 60MPH into a bend with brakes only serviced to the "somewhat" level of getting it right.

[Blaine]

Sent you a P.M.

[Zac]

Thanks everyone,

I'm checking out the manual and I'll update you all on the progress!