Brake peddle goes all the way to the bottom

[rsc45golf]

I have a Harley Volusia with just over 1050 miles on it. The rear brake peddle has always been stiff and at the top. The other day I went to ride it and the peddle went all the way to the bottom. They do not pump up. The reservoir is full. I do hear what sounds like fluid being pushed when I push the peddle down. Is there a metering valve or pressure relief valve that could be letting the fluid by pass? The rear brakes have always been hard to press and don't stop as well as I would expect. The conversion was done in 2017. Thanks for any help!

[rhino 2]

I have a Harley Volusia with just over 1050 miles on it. The rear brake peddle has always been stiff and at the top. The other day I went to ride it and the peddle went all the way to the bottom. They do not pump up. The reservoir is full. I do hear what sounds like fluid being pushed when I push the peddle down. Is there a metering valve or pressure relief valve that could be letting the fluid by pass? The rear brakes have always been hard to press and don't stop as well as I would expect. The conversion was done in 2017. Thanks for any help!

Rob.....Welcome To Trike-Talk,,,,.....Jack Klarich is our brake expert , I suspect when he see's your post he'll be right on it...

[Jack Klarich]

Hi Robert and welcome to Trike Talk,

First off do a visual inspection of all the components of the rear brakes paying attention to any wet spots from leakage of fluid. By what you describe sounds like a master cylinder bypassing fluid. You will have 2 choices here, rebuild what you have or replace the master cylinder. Pictures of your brake system will be a plus in diagnostics of your problem.

[Gorilla]

welcome robert i'm a second to jack. sounds like master cylinder failure to me also

[rsc45golf]

Hi Robert and welcome to Trike Talk,

First off do a visual inspection of all the components of the rear brakes paying attention to any wet spots from leakage of fluid. By what you describe sounds like a master cylinder bypassing fluid. You will have 2 choices here, rebuild what you have or replace the master cylinder. Pictures of your brake system will be a plus in diagnostics of your problem.

Thanks Jack, I have inspected the brake system and have not found any leaks. From the sound I'm hearing I believe you are right about the master cylinder bypassing fluid. I appreciate your input. Thanks again.

[rsc45golf]

welcome robert i'm a second to jack. sounds like master cylinder failure to me also

Thank you! I believe that Jack is right, especially from the sound I'm hearing and finding no leaks.

[rsc45golf]

Rob.....Welcome To Trike-Talk,,,,.....Jack Klarich is our brake expert , I suspect when he see's your post he'll be right on it...

Yes he did. Thank you! I agree with what he believes is the problem.

[1 triker]

Maybe someone can help me on this, 2013 Stallion, the brake pedal will not come up after pressing it. I've changed master cyl, booster and proportioning valve and still will not come up, I have to pull it by hand.

[Jack Klarich]

Maybe someone can help me on this, 2013 Stallion, the brake pedal will not come up after pressing it. I've changed master cyl, booster and proportioning valve and still will not come up, I have to pull it by hand.

What happens if you open a caliper bleeder when this happens? Do you get fluid out and does the pedal release?

Pump the brakes up till you feel them get hard, start the trike up. The pedal should drop off slightly. You have just tested your brake booster, to rule it out. When you changed the booster did you by chance mess with the push rod for the master cylinder? In correct adjustment would change your free travel and could cause the brakes to lock up and the pedal to not return

[Fxsholly]

I have had a Volusia conversion on my 07 Heritage since 2015. In the last 6 months I have had to rebuild the rear master cylinder twice for the pedal going all the way down with no brakes. Pumping them restores a little brake for a while . I have about 4000 miles on the Heritage as a trike and about 13000 miles total. No failures until the conversion. Rebuild kits restore full even braking power. Any ideas ?

Thanks

[rhino 2]

I have had a Volusia conversion on my 07 Heritage since 2015. In the last 6 months I have had to rebuild the rear master cylinder twice for the pedal going all the way down with no brakes. Pumping them restores a little brake for a while . I have about 4000 miles on the Heritage as a trike and about 13000 miles total. No failures until the conversion. Rebuild kits restore full even braking power. Any ideas ?

Thanks

Francis ..Welcome to Trike Talk...👍👍..

[Jack Klarich]

I have had a Volusia conversion on my 07 Heritage since 2015. In the last 6 months I have had to rebuild the rear master cylinder twice for the pedal going all the way down with no brakes. Pumping them restores a little brake for a while . I have about 4000 miles on the Heritage as a trike and about 13000 miles total. No failures until the conversion. Rebuild kits restore full even braking power. Any ideas ?

Thanks

The rear master is doing a lot of work, it is possible the diameter of the bore could stand to be bigger in diameter. It is also possible the piston contact to the bore is no longer good and allowing fluid to bypass the seal. Depending on the condition of the internal bore you may opt to install a new master to solve your failures. Ya got to be able to depend on good braking @ all times. JMO

[Gorilla]

i'm wondering if maybe a residual valve may help?

[Jack Klarich]

i'm wondering if maybe a residual valve may help?

It sure would not hurt to try it

[ROAD DOG]

i'm wondering if maybe a residual valve may help?

I got a 84 sportster trike , the brakes would not stay up on the first pump , two three pumps and there good , put a residual valve on right at the back of the master cylinder , works great . I cant remember for sure I think it was a 4 pound valve ??? I will check and see if it says on it ???

[Gorilla]

There are 2 types. the low lb number around 4 is for disk brakes and the higher number one I believe 8 or 10 is for shoe brakes