I have a 88 Zilla, and after a short ride, say 5 min or so the front brake lever becomes very hard and the front brakes begin to bind up and will eventually bring the whole quad to a stop. The only way to get it to release is to brake the bleed valve open and bleed the pressure. I ordered a new resivior because mine is a little old, I just hope this fixes it. I have been around quads for about 20 years and have never heard of this before, any thoughts?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

It sounds like you have a collapsed brake line. What is happening fluid is not being allowed to come back towards the master cylinder and it is locking the brakes on. If both front tires are locking up theither both front brake hoses have collapsed or the one off the the master cylinder going to the proportioning valve is collapsed. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks man

 

You might have water in the lines. When the water heats up, it expands much more and much easier than brake fluid. Over time water can slowly accumulate in the system through condensation so you don't actually have to have a leak. Try using a vacuum pump (or bleed them the old fashion way) to take out all the old fluid and replace it with new Dot 4 or better. Even if water in the lines isn't the culprit, the fluid should be changed occationally anyway.

 

If you want the best setup then rip the old lines off and order some steel braided lines, then order 2 new piston and seals kit from the dealer and rebuild the calipers. Chances are all your master cylinder needs is taken apart cleaned and a few new seals on the shaft. All this will run you about 160.00 bucks but what a difference. Plus you will be all new with fresh fluid.