K11 Owners Group

Mystic Red · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:22 pm Post subject: Front Brake Switch Sticking

Couldn't get the front brake switch to deactivate ( brake light stayed on) unless I remembered to manually push the lever forward each time. No good. I checked my notes and I had changed the brake fluid last fall so I pulled the front brake cover off and cleaned in there and then shot it with some WD40. Still no love.
So I bled the brakes and, presto, lever now returns and engages switch.
I wonder if the level was low or I had a bubble in there. My manual is missing the page on how to check the front brake fluid level. I think I remember that the handle bars should be in full left lock with no bubbles showing in the window. Is this correct?
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

BMGraeme · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject:

This has happened to me twice and each time I had to clean up the area outside of the piston in the Master Cylinder. I think water just gets in there and gradually builds up a layer which eventually stops the piston from fully retracting and therefore releasing the brake switch. Last time I renewed the piston and the rubber boot and so far so good. If you hadn't noticed the brakes being spongy at all I doubt it's the fluid level. Maybe the WD40 took a little time to work.
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1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 4:08 pm Post subject:

I had a sticky brake lever on my RS when I got it. I pulled the pivot and lubed it (not the threads - just the barrel.) Problem solved.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
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Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

I've also experienced that issue with my front brake switch. It wasn't that the lever wasn't returning. It's happened at least twice after a trip to the car wash. After a couple of days to dry out- works fine.

Ride Safe.

Scott

Mystic Red · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:43 pm Post subject:

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

I check mine so as the fluid is at least 1/2+ in the sight window at full left stop. When it's down to 1/2 I know it's time to check the pad thickness more closely, like pull them and measure them. Because as sure as I just add fluid I'll be changing the pads and be taking the excell fluid right back out.
Now that you got me thinking about it I'm probably due for a fluid change/pad inspection this weekend.

Ride Safe.

Scott.