What, No Tips on Sloppy Brake Lever? By ellpee (Read 711 times)

[ellpee]

New Magnum, front brake lever okay, back brakes lever way too much play. Brakes do work, but lever needs adjustment. How, please? Surely SOMEBODY here has done this and can give me a steer? (Fluid level seems OK and fluid is clear and clean as far as I can see. No air bubbles noted when I gently pump the lever.)

[alleyoop]

They all appear to work that way mine has been that way since new, a lot of play before they grab, but I can still lock the rears up. It could be due to the long run back there and since the plunger only moves a little to push the fluid down the line not enough pressure with a little movement of the handle.
Alleyoop

[ellpee]

Well, okay, with a whole 8 miles on it I guess I won't freak out just yet. I do note that the fluid is almost colorless (this from a colorblind guy, bear in mind), whereas I thought US brake fluid typically has a distinct color -- blue? red? Anyhow, not colorless. Guessing that means my brake fluid is of the China Cheapo variety and needs to be completely replaced within a few hundred miles at most. Am I thinking straight?

[cruiser]

Replacing the brake fluid is a good idea, ellpee. However, in the many years I have been dealing with brakes, I have never seen colored brake fluid.

[alleyoop]

I bought my trike in march of 2009, have 10k miles on it and it has the orignal brakes and brake fluid and it is clear color.
Alleyoop

[ellpee]

OK, thanks, just one of may things where colors are a challenge for me. Maybe I'm thinking of PS or tranny fluids. Took 'er for a 25-mile local run yesterday, hills, flat, highway, side roads, and all was okay, including brakes. Did hear some squeaking from somewhere in the rear end that I need to investigate this morning. Maybe just need some spray silicone on the chain, but want to be sure it's not something to do with bearings, differential, whatever. Have to say it's a weird feeling to pull up to a stoplight and not have to put my feet on the ground!