Rear brake issue

[union]

Yesterday as my bike was getting up to temp I noticed the brake light was doing a blinky thing. At first I thought it was just a loose wire. So today I pull the rear cover off and check all the wires and fit them together tighter then they already were. It wasnt that.

It seems my rear brake isnt returning properly or fully back after I get off it. Its almost a bit sticky or could use a stronger spring or extra spring somewhere to help it back. Ive adjusted the switch to the light so it only comes on if I really push on the brake. It shouldnt be a fluid problem. I checked it about 300miles ago and it was fine. Dont think I could lose that much in such a short time. Its to the point where when the bike is on the stand there is a pretty big difference in wheel spin with the brake not enganged and then after its engaged and allowed to return on its own. When I pull up on the brake the wheel spins much longer and when I let it return on its own well it stops the spin within 1 revolution. Im using gilles rearsets and there is virtually no visible wear on them.

Anyone have ideas what I can do here to get the brake to return better?

[Rigor]

Back off the tension at your rear master cylinder to pedal, adjuster.


If pulling "Up" on the pedal relieves pressure, you may have the adjuster too long.......

Shorten it, and see what happens........

The return spring is just that: a pedal return spring. If you look at it, it has play in it, even when the pedal is all the way up already...

[mrgrn]

use a rubber band to help return it

keep in mind when it heats up some it will return better than when it is cold

try to stop using the rear brake as it gives false hope IMO

[Rigor]

Originally Posted by mrgrn

try to stop using the rear brake as it gives false hope IMO

false hope? So by using my rear brake, I'm not gonna become independantly wealthy, good looking and a great cook?

Man, Mark......that is false hope................

[Steve0351]

Curious to know if you got this problem straightened out. I am experiencing a similar issue, but more severe. I also have Gilles rearsets, but bought them used from a member here early this year and was unable to find the instructions. Do these rearsets use a return spring at all? Mine definately could use one because after bleeding the rear I am still unable to get the pedal to return fully. It needs another 1/4 inch of return...as such, the rear brake remains engaged until I lift the pedal by hand (there's a LOT of drag if I dont raise the pedal manually). I could really use some help! Anyone know where I can get some instructions for these?

[CBR400RR]

You just have to turn your rear brake light switch in a little as they can vibrate out a little causing the light to flicker.

[Steve0351]

Scott, agree that will cure the brake light flicker problem, but I think the underlying issue with both our problems is that the Gilles rearsets are not returning the brake lever fully...partially keeping the back brake engaged.

[area51racer]

I had an attack rear set do a similar thing. It feels like the rear brake isn't fully disengaged. It isn't an issue really, but there might be some ways to work around it. I start by keeping the pivot areas of all levers that work off the rear sets oiled with a light weight oil or silicon spray. Less friction at those pivot points helps a little. You might be able to tap a small hole into the lever and another spot and rig a small spring in there to act as a return spring.

[Steve0351]

I messed around with it for a few hours tonight and finally got the stock rearset return spring to work