What are the symptoms of a faulty motorcycle brake pump?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty motorcycle brake pump are as follows: 1. Shaking when braking: This phenomenon mostly occurs in older motorcycles due to prolonged use and significant wear. It is recommended to consider using a lathe polishing process or replacing the brake pads (for older vehicles). 2. The direction tends to veer to one side: This is commonly known as 'brake pull,' and the main cause of this issue is uneven force applied by the left and right brake calipers on the brake pads. In this case, the caliper needs to be replaced. 3. Brake does not return: It is necessary to check if the brake fluid is insufficient; if there is oil leakage at the brake caliper, pipelines, or joints; or if the master cylinder or caliper components are damaged. 4. Reduced braking force: Possible causes include insufficient hydraulic pressure in the caliper or master cylinder, which may indicate oil leakage; brake system malfunction; or air leakage in the brake pipelines, requiring repair.
I've been riding motorcycles for many years and have experienced several brake pump failures, with symptoms that are really obvious. The most common issue is the brake lever feeling soft and spongy, like squeezing a lump of mud, lacking the proper force feedback. Braking effectiveness is significantly reduced, requiring extra force to slow the bike down, which is especially dangerous at high speeds. The lever may also slowly sink to the bottom and not automatically return when released, indicating hydraulic system failure. I can often detect a slight oil smell or see oil leaking near the pump, with possible oil stains on the ground. In severe cases, there might be a clunking noise or vibration during braking, making the entire brake system feel unstable. These symptoms are all caused by insufficient hydraulic pressure due to damaged or leaking internal seals in the brake pump. I once nearly had an accident because of this, and since then, I've been checking the fluid and pump condition every two months. If you notice similar issues, get it repaired by a professional shop immediately—don't wait for disaster to strike.