Brake Problems on my ninja

macungie · 08-02-2008, 12:14 AM

I have a 2002 ninja zx9r. The other day i started my bike brakes felt good but as soon I started to move my brake lever went limp. I pump the lever and they come back but then go away. While I sit idle and pump the lever they get strong and stay strong but as soon as i start to move they are gone again.

Went to dealer for advice and they thought as i did that my master cylinder could be shot. So I bought a rebuild kit. Rebuilt, bled the system and still have the same problem. I checked my pads and they seem low. Could replacing the pads fix my problem..

Going to replace them tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone had same experience with different solution just in case changing pads does not resolve my problem.

Thanks
Al
nieveshome@juno.com

crjbeez · 08-07-2008, 4:43 AM

replacing the pads could very well be all that it needed. as the pads wear down, the pistons in the caliper must travel further to move the pads into a position to "bite" on the disc.

macungie · 08-07-2008, 9:25 AM

Thanks. I am still waiting on my pads. they were on back order. should have them today thursday. i also went ahead and ordered some steel braided brake lines just in case. The lines were not dry rotted, cracked or leaking but I thought I might as well update while Im at it.

Ill let you know how it went.

macungie · 08-16-2008, 4:53 PM

Replaced the pads and went ahead and replaced lines with steel braided lines. Still having the exact same problem. I have decided that it must of been the calipers all along. I think they are actually sucking in air when the wheel turns and causes the pads to push the pistons in. They are not leaking but I am assuming it is possible that the rings inside are only allowing air in during retraction.

tunil · 08-04-2009, 5:51 PM

it sounds to me like you may have a bent rotor, if they stay strong while you are not moving and you dont have any fluid leaks. then when you start moving, all of a sudden the lever is soft again. seems like as you start to go, the rotor will push the pistons back into the caliper to make the lever soft. lift the front end of the bike so you can spin the wheel and take a good look at your rotors while they are spinning, good luck.

Twincam · 08-04-2009, 8:40 PM

Al, when you say you move away and it goes limp do you mean you release (and when you come to apply the brakes again) its soft?