Too much travel on brake lever

[Maherees]

HI all,
just took my summer bike out after winter storage and notice that there's too much travel on brake lever before they bite. They are SRAM Rival Hydraulic Brakes. Im sure i replaced the pads not long before storing it away before winter. Is it just a matter of finding the tightening point on the lever?
Thanks

 

[Bonzothechippy]

Just a tip before any adjustment. Pump the lever a dozen times, then hold the lever in and tape or tie the lever. Leave over night and you may well have sorted the problem. You should do this every four - six months as part of a service.

 

[sevenfourate]

Just a tip before any adjustment. Pump the lever a dozen times, then hold the lever in and tape or tie the lever. Leave over night and you may well have sorted the problem. You should do this every four - six months as part of a service.

I concur 100%. Brilliant tip for firming brakes. Works on cars / motorbikes too that have been stood over Winter / for a few months etc

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Do you hang it upside down in storage? You can get air in the line which affects pressure and results in the increased travel. Might not be, but if it is (you will know as pumping the brake won't solve the issue), then you will need to bleed the brakes.

 

[the_mikey]

It's possible there is air in the hydraulic hose, there will be air in the hydraulic fluid reservoir and that can migrate into the hose if the bike has been sitting for a while at an unusual angle. It's not usually in a hurry to return to the brake fluid reservoir, so it might need a bleed (new fluid pumped in which usually forces air bubbles out)

 

[Maherees]

Do you hang it upside down in storage? You can get air in the line which affects pressure and results in the increased travel. Might not be, but if it is (you will know as pumping the brake won't solve the issue), then you will need to bleed the brakes.

No - I keep it standing as normal. Thanks.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

No - I keep it standing as normal. Thanks.

No worries. Did pumping the brake solve it?

 

[wonderloaf]

Just a tip before any adjustment. Pump the lever a dozen times, then hold the lever in and tape or tie the lever. Leave over night and you may well have sorted the problem. You should do this every four - six months as part of a service.

One of the best tips ever, has saved so much hassle over the years instead of doing a partial/full rebleed.

 

[sevenfourate]

One of the best tips ever, has saved so much hassle over the years instead of doing a partial/full rebleed.

And involves no skill, cost or equipment.

 

[Maherees]

No worries. Did pumping the brake solve it?

Hello,
I tried tying the lever up for a day or so and this did not work and also pumping it. So i've ordered a bleed kit and some new pads front and rear so will try install myself when they arrive. I've also put my LBS on emergency standby in case the pear takes shape.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Hello,
I tried tying the lever up for a day or so and this did not work and also pumping it. So i've ordered a bleed kit and some new pads front and rear so will try install myself when they arrive. I've also put my LBS on emergency standby in case the pear takes shape.

Yes, sounds like it needs a bleed. Fair play, I never trust myself and take it to the LBS, the garage floor would end up covered in brake fluid otherwise!