I changed the front pads on my Vinson 500 this weekend and now when I pull the brake lever it pulls all the way to the bar and barely engages (if I am rolling about 1mph it will stop, otherwise it does nothing). I checked the brake fluid and it is at the correct level and that is about the limit to my brake technical ability. Any ideas what could be causing the problem? Any help is greatly appreciated - trying to make a ride this weekend.

 

You could have gotten air in the brake lines. Brake fluid is highly non-compressible and air is highly compressible. When you get air in the brake lines, and you pull the lever, all that happens is you compress the air in the lines and all the pressure is lost resulting in extremely weak brakes.

I've only done brake stuff on cars but it should be similar. I think you have to crack the bleeders on one of the front wheels, then you squeeze the brake lever a few times and purge the air. Usually when fluid starts coming out the air is out. So once you have fluid coming out of the bleeder, close it while you're still squeezing on the brake and repeat for the other side.

You may need to add more brake fluid after this.

Its been years since I've done this though so if I got some of the procedure wrong, someone correct me. I think that's right though.

 

The bleeder is #14 in this pic.

http://www.bikebandit.com/showschematic/m9823sch513352

 

Thanks for the help! I will try it this evening. Do you think I would need to do both sides or just one?

 

I would do both sides just to be sure. Its not too hard, especially on a newer vehicle. Make sure to wear safety glasses or keep your head away though when you crack open the bleeders. If there's pressure in the line it will squirt pretty good.

Oh and check to make sure you added the right brake fluid, most ATVs need DOT4. Cars usually need DOT3 so its easy to put in the wrong stuff.

 

And you don't take the bleeder screws all the way out, you just crack them open enough for fluid to start coming out the top. haha, sorry I keep remembering things!

 

Ensure you bleed all the brakes so the 2 in front and the 1 in the rear starting with the rear one you always start with the further caliper or brake from the reservoir and work to the nearest one. this all that is wrong guarenteed.

 

I got a one man brake bleeder kit from autozone and bled them - works like a charm! Thanks for the help!