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Front brakes

Posted: 25 Jul 2013, 21:30
by orangesplat
I have searched the forum but can't find any answers. I know that the front brakes on my MK2 CRM are 20 years old, but I'm having serious issues with stopping power, and am finding on road I'm having to use my back brake a hell of a lot more than I'd like! The front brake was crap when I bought the bike last year. I've fitted a new disc, pads, overhauled the caliper and it's still crap, sometimes frightening! It's been properly bled and has a braided line fitted. I was thinking it could maybe be a problem with the master cylinder, but there's no leaks and the lever action feels OK. There is a little bit of wear on the caliper/mounting bracket pins so that the caliper has a little bit of play on it. Could this be my problem and if it is what's the solution? Can you get new pins, or is it a replacement caliper/bracket?

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 25 Jul 2013, 22:26
by fallenmikethebike
I have to say that the front brake on my MK3 has woeful, then I fitted one of these, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Clutch- ... 4d0558d3a0

This has made a significant difference, on my bike.
Mike

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 25 Jul 2013, 22:49
by clint
What I've noticed about the front brake on the CRM (after rebuilding it several times trying to "fix" it) is that they have just enough stopping power to be good off road but are terrible on road and as you say scary sometimes. I have a caliper that came with a XR 125 that fits but doesn't make it any better. I'm going to get a set of those levers, wanted some anyway now I know they'll help the brakes I have the excuse I need :)

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 00:14
by twistednuts
Try different pads, expensive i know but you might just find a good combo.

They need a bit of time to bed in too so allow for that. Theyre never gonna be stop on a penny brakes.

Either that or ride slower :lol:

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 00:44
by longmoreuk
I have had a nightmare with my front brake, changed the master cylinder, bled it to death, new seals, overhauled the caliper, changed the line. In the end I gave up and put a yz250 complete front brake on the bike which actually stops the bike.

To be honest i think the caliper must have been shot but i had no leaks of fluid so i just couldnt figure out the issue - bit the bullet and just changed the lot.

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 09:54
by orangesplat
I've tried sintered pads and organic pads and have found them to make no difference. I don't like giving up on things but this has got me tearing my hair out! I'm getting closer and closer to just looking for a replacement caliper and master cylinder!

Re: Front brakes

Posted: 26 Jul 2013, 11:16
by knackeredMk1
Easy way is to get a much newer set of calliper and cylinder from an MX bike. You need to use a pressure switch for the brake light. I use a CRF set that has so much more feel and power to it than the original CRM.