HI have only been riding since the late spring. This is my first bike. It does NOT have ABS (I've heard air can get trapped in the ABS system...this is not my issue).
Several months ago, I changed the brake fluid. I initially had air sucked into the front brake line, but it eventually came back out the other side. The rear brake caliper initially seemed to be "sticking" a bit after the fluid change, but now no longer sticks at all and I can freely rotate the wheel when cleaning the chain.
I had a recall on something NOT brake related. While there, the mechanic told me my brakes needed work because they felt "spongy". They then quoted me a whopping $650 for an 8k mile service. I told them I'd think about it. They said they could knock off some items if I am doing things myself but still. I'd like to see if I can figure it out myself.
I tried to re-bleed them for a while yesterday, but no air came out of the lines. The brakes feel the same. I tried tapping on the brake lines a bit as well. Still no bubbles come out.
I do not have a pneumatic bleeder. Instead I do this method. 1. Pump brake a few times then hold down, 2. Open bleeder valve for a few seconds, 3. Close bleeder valve, 4. Release brake.
The brake pads have plenty of meat left on them, also confirmed by the mechanic.
However, a new thing that just developed after attempting to re-bleed is that the rear wheel now squeals when rolled backwards. Not sure if that has any relation.
Since this is the only bike I've owned, I also don't really know how they are "supposed" to feel. This is how they've always felt ever since owning the bike before I even changed the fluid.
Bike is from 2017. The fluid looked dirty when I initially got the bike in spring of 2026, so I don't know how old the fluid in the bike was.
Any ideas? Would you mind explaining for someone not super well-versed in mechanical things? All of this bike maintenance stuff is new to me!
Thanks all!
Ok I tested a couple of times and I seem to be able to lock up the rear fairly easily. But the tires were prob cold. Can you easily lock them up with air in the lines still?
The front brake lever has some freeplay and then I hit a sudden wall of resistance, which to me seems fairly normal? I tried to do a bit of what you said but I am a bit nervous of being loud and potentially doing burnouts in my condo complex lol!!
The rear pedal doesn't have the same feel as the front lever. Instead of hitting a wall, I just feel a gradual increase in resistance until I can't push it anymore. It doesn't feel sharp like the front does for me and the pedal can travel fairly far. However, I cannot bottom them out unless I am bleeding the brakes and opening the bleeder valve.