My riding buddy has a 2000 500 auto 4x4 and is having a big brake problem. He admittedly let his pads get wore down to almost nothing. On a ride he lost his brakes, the lever was just mush. So we've changed the pads all the way around. We've bled the brakes twice. Once even let them bleed out by gravity using a whole can of fluid. The lever is still really mushy and he just isn't getting stopped the way he should. Even after scorching the pads. They seem to be better if you pump them, but doesn't seem to be losing any fluid. Any help anybody could offer would be appreciated.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

 

If he's not loosing any fluid and your sure there's no air in the system ,It sounds like he has a blown master cylinder .

I hope this helps

 

Thanks, thats what I told him. Thats the next thing he's trying.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

make sure the rotors aren't warped, if you pump it and they get firm it's not air in the system.

 

I know that my brand new 500 i 4x4 2003 does the same thing. It works diffrently everytime i take it out, maybe it's a problem that artic cat needs to fix.

 

The rotors seem ok, but thanks for the info. I'll pass it on.

I think Arctic Cat brakes are a little on the weak sideanyway( Not bashing A/C), but you should not get different results each time you ride in a new bike. Hopefully your dealer didn't forget to scorch the brakes. I would have it checked out.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

thats funny, my brakes on my 04 400i have been consistent, in fact i couldnt have asked for better brakes.

 

No problems here ,My brakes will stop on a dime every time,The only problem is they squeal just before I stop [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Due to the design cat disc brakes on the front end will not be consistent if the wheel bearings are worn,loose or in need of replacement. Once there is play the brake pistons have to move the wheel on the bearing untill the slack is taken up and then the pressure comes on the disc and the brake works. Hence the need to pump two or thee times. When checking for wheel bearing play keep in mind that ball joints and A frame bushings can also lead to wheel movement but these should not affect brake performance. Usually wheel bearings are good for about 2000 miles, less if you are turning big rubber and catching air etc and more if your riding is easier. Water is also a factor in bearing life as the bearing seals are not the most durable.

 

I don't have any trouble stops on a dime the foot brake is s- -t