K11 Owners Group

Ernie-NH · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 8:42 pm Post subject: Brake fluid ??

Hi all...

Returned yesterday from NB Canada, but on the way back noticed that front brakes were getting softer and softer,, until when I got to the Airline ( Rt9 ) in Calais ME, I stopped to check out the rotors... sure enough the right front was covered in black grease like scum... left was bone dry as it should be. So since its all hwy from there ( almost) I decided to baby it, keep a long distance from others (cars), and investigate today,,,, I did!

What I found was the bleeder cap hanging in space, and fluid everywhere on the caliper etc.. I had the fluid replaced earlier in Summer but havnt really ridden since 1st of June just after service. So you'll say "why didnt you do the service yourself as you normally do ? "" Regretably, obligations elsewhere prevented me from servicing the bike myself ! That aside,, I assume also that the pads have been "saturated"... but that's the nature of the question here !

If pads are so exposed to leaking brake fluid while underway, do the pads indeed "suck up" fluid, do they need to be replaced as a safety precaution, OR will they again become dry and serviceable in short order, once the leak is repaired ?????

Any words of advice ?? I didnt think the pads to be porous, and maybe they arent... afraid I dont know squat about brake pads !

Thanks in advance.....// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

N41EF · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 8:59 pm Post subject:

I've never soaked pads, but have gotten some wet. You could spray the pads (and the rotor) with brake cleaner and see how they clean up. Flush out the brake fluid and you should be fine.

if the pads don't clean up, they are cheap enough, but always replace both front ones as a set.
_________________
2014 R1200RT Water Cooled
2001 R1100S Light
1993 K1100LT. Nissan Ice Blue.(Gone)

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:38 pm Post subject:

My opinion, so take it for what it's worth.

+1 vote to replace with fresh pads.

For the low cost of a set of pads, it's pretty inexpensive peace of mind to know you don't have compromised brakes.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Ernie-NH · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2014 11:07 pm Post subject:

!!

Thanks guys.... REPLACE is the option I'm going for. I dont want to be in a situation where I need real stopping power ( front brakes ) and find it lacking ! ie: better safe than sorry !

Best regards all, ride safe......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Don Sproule · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:36 am Post subject:

I hope you don't plan on visiting your local dealer for OEM pads.
You may be in for a big surprise.

Don

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 7:43 am Post subject:

I get mine here:
http://www.amazon.com/EBC-Brakes-FA407-Non-Asbestos-Organic/dp/B006B28PVC/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409225673&sr=1-6&keywords=fa407

Organic, sintered or non-sintered(your choice) for less than $30 per caliper.

Sintered gives you better stopping power and better heat dissipation, but they will eat your rotors. btdt

Non-sintered is more OEM, good stopping power, rotors will last much longer.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Ernie-NH · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 8:18 am Post subject:

Good morning all...

Just a note re the link that Scott posted... I used that link to get replacement pads for both the "K" bike and my 'ol Airhead R100/7.. they have functioned very well to this point and my "R" bike really showed the greatest increase in perceived "Stopping Power" after the change out. I will have no reservations about returning to that site for new "K1100" replacement pads!

Best regards all. ride safe......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7