Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > rear brake

[mike]

Bled my rear brake today which had become useless....is there a better way? Not sure even now if all the air is out with the bleed nipple on the bottom !

Mike

[Mr_S]

I've got one of these

http://www.speedbleeder.com

fitted to each caliper now, makes bleeding a breeze

But for the rear, I also unbolt the caliper from it's mount and move it to the top of the disc, so that the pads still press against the disc but the nipple is then the highest point of the system. Leave it for 5 mins or so for the bubbles to rise, bleed the system, then put the caliper back in it's correct position.

[Edited on 25-7-2004 by Mr_S]

[mike]

Thanks , i hadn't thought of sliding the caliper round to the top of the disc That should work

Mick

[MartinK]

I think bleeding thr rear is only a temporary repair though. I really struggled with my SPS.... I could get a perfect pedal for a couple of weeks & then back to spongy. I gave in & bought a new genuine master cylinder & guess what ........... exactly the same.
On my 998 (which has 50mm pipes) it was even worse ......... I think the problem is heat transfer from the exhausts to the master cylinder. I have bled the brakes through,using the technique described above, and with good quality fluid. I used Castrol Response dot4 but I am sure that any dot4 will be as good. I then wrapped the master cylinder in heat resistant aluminium cloth.
It is a bit early to say this is the definitive answer, but 3 months later it is still OK.

[marksduc748]

DOT 6 and I swear by it. I had the same go out for a thrash and I could get it so I lost the rear brake all together but since I bled it and used DOT 6 its been ok. demon tweeks sell it and its a little dearer.

[mike]

I have never had the trouble before...owned a 748 for three years and had the 996 for two years..but fitted a 50mm half system recently so maybe heat has something to do with it ?

Mike

[moto748]

Something was suggested to me the other day which I think would help.
After you've bled the brake (preferably using a vacuum bleeder or similar, and with the caliper unit unit re-positioned as mentioned above), jam a screwdriver or allen key in the pedal assembly to leave the brake "on" overnight. And keep in the habit of doing this when the bike's not in use.

And yes, I know such measures *shouldn't* be necessary, but still...

[mike916]

I've never yet come across a 9*6 with a brilliant back brake. I think it is a case of get used to it as it is - it's not like it's essential anyway, read Foggys autobiography and he says he never ever used his.

On mine I've fitted new HH sintered pads, Goodrich brake line and use DoT 6 fluid and it's still only a fraction better than useless when on the move. But it's still good enough to hold the back wheel when doing the clutch centre nut.

[Edited on 2-8-2004 by mike916]