Front disk brake too much play

[revhappy]

Hey guys,

 

Recently I bought a used Honda Phantom 200. Its front disk brake lever has too much play. I can actually depress it more than half way(about 2-3 cms)

 

I have ridden several bikes before and the front disk brake never had too much play, just a bit of pressing and it wouldn't go in more than like 1/2 a centimeter. But my current bike goes in as if it was cable operated, haha.

 

Any idea what could be the reason?

Edited January 9, 2012 by revhappy

[crazydj]

Hey guys,

 

Recently I bought a used Honda Phantom 200. Its front disk brake lever has too much play. I can actually depress it more than half way(about 2-3 cms)

 

I have ridden several bikes before and the front disk brake never had too much play, just a bit of pressing and it wouldn't go in more than like 1/2 a centimeter. But my current bike goes in as if it was cable operated, haha.

 

Any idea what could be the reason?

 

1) Check your brake fluid level. Low level or 'aged' brake fluid might result in this. Most likely you will need to bleed your brakes.

2) Replace your brake hose. Old, worn out hose might cause it to bulge excessively.

 

When i got my bike, my brake lever could brake 3/4 to half. Spongy feeling. Very nice. I kinda liked it. Very predictable. But then i changed my brake hose to those stainless steel ones and put new brake fluid inside. Wah! I press a bit the brakes damn strong. Until now. The feeling when i brake is not spongy but stiff.

 

I kinda don't like it but its supposed to be stiff. You should see when my mech open up my brake fluid reservoir. Super rusty inside and the brake fluid damn gooey gross.

[revhappy]

1) Check your brake fluid level. Low level or 'aged' brake fluid might result in this. Most likely you will need to bleed your brakes.

2) Replace your brake hose. Old, worn out hose might cause it to bulge excessively.

 

When i got my bike, my brake lever could brake 3/4 to half. Spongy feeling. Very nice. I kinda liked it. Very predictable. But then i changed my brake hose to those stainless steel ones and put new brake fluid inside. Wah! I press a bit the brakes damn strong. Until now. The feeling when i brake is not spongy but stiff.

 

I kinda don't like it but its supposed to be stiff. You should see when my mech open up my brake fluid reservoir. Super rusty inside and the brake fluid damn gooey gross.

 

Oh IC. Thanks for the advice bro. I will see my mech soon. Cheers!

[jayz]

i tho u can adjust it urself? ah pek help me to adjust on my s4 to more loose, more free play. i like it this way. mayb bcos my finger not very long to press it. LOL.

[crazydj]

i tho u can adjust it urself? ah pek help me to adjust on my s4 to more loose, more free play. i like it this way. mayb bcos my finger not very long to press it. LOL.

 

Not all bikes can adjust.

[mechwira]

there are two separate things here. one is freeplay, the other is 'feel'.

 

freeplay is just how far the lever can freely pivot without activating any braking. the minute there is resistance in the lever, thats the end of the freeplay. this is totally adjustable (depending on your actual brake lever model, can buy aftermarket adjustable also), whether you want 3/4, half or 1/4.

 

the minute there is resistance when you pull the lever, then we are no longer talking bout freeplay, we are talking about feel. this one cannot adjust, and there is no right or wrong whether a biker prefers 'stiff' or 'spongy'. BUT an overly spongy brake system can be due to worn brake hose or air bubbles in brake fluid. if this is the case, you DONT want this sponginess because your overall braking ability is actually reduced. if you suspect this is the case, simply get the hose and fluid changed. on fresh hose and fluid, remember the firmness of your brake lever feel, and use this as future reference to decide whether the lever has gone overly spongy due to something wrong.

 

and if you ever feel steel-braided hoses before, then standard rubber hoses will always feel very spongy by comparison.

[crazydj]

I don't think the Phantom can adjust the freeplay.

[naim]

phantom can't change the freeplay. that one adjust is usually for the reach. how far ur want ur lever to be, so depends on hw ur long ur fingers are. the caliper oso play a part. a stuck piston that can't move in/out freely will give u an inconsistent braking feel and not as progressive, making it hard to modulate ur braking. a simple cleaning of the pistons can give a much more predictable braking feel.