What Causes the Rear Brake of a Motorcycle Not to Retract?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why a motorcycle brake may not retract: 1. Reason one: The brake rocker arm shaft is rusted, or the brake cable is rusted, or the brake shoe block is excessively worn. 2. Reason two: The brake wire is damaged, the brake pedal or handle is deformed and stuck, or the lower brake pump has too much dirt or is deformed. Below is additional information on related content: 1. Brake: Braking, also known as stopping, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of a running locomotive, vehicle, or other means of transport or machinery. 2. Composition: A motorcycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle driven by a gasoline engine and steered by handlebars, known for its lightweight and agility, rapid movement, and widespread use in patrol, passenger and cargo transport, as well as a sports apparatus. Broadly speaking, motorcycles are categorized into street bikes, road racing motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, cruisers, and touring bikes.
I've been riding motorcycles since I was young and have experienced several instances where the rear brake wouldn't return, mostly due to issues with the brake cable or hydraulic system. For example, the cable could rust and get stuck, preventing it from springing back, or the springs in drum brakes might age and break. In hydraulic systems, too little brake fluid or air entering the system can cause the piston to stick and not return to position. The last time I cleaned the caliper pistons, I found that accumulated dust caused them to stick, but a few sprays of brake cleaner improved the situation. However, this is no small matter—delaying repairs can lead to brake failure, making it dangerous to control speed while riding. I recommend checking the brake's travel before each ride. If it feels stiff or returns slowly, avoid riding and take the time to thoroughly inspect the system. Cleaning and lubrication can prevent 90% of issues. Once you develop this habit, failures become rare, making riding much safer.
I love DIY car repairs, and when the rear brake doesn't retract, I troubleshoot step by step: First, pull the lever to test the feel—if it's stiff, the cable might be stuck, and applying some lubricant can help. For hydraulic systems, check the fluid reservoir; if the level is too low or air has entered, bleeding is necessary. Once, I encountered a worn master cylinder piston causing poor return, and I fixed it by replacing the O-ring myself. Safety comes first during DIY—prepare clean rags and standard tools to avoid oil leaks or part damage. It's best to perform simple brake maintenance regularly, like lubricating moving parts every six months and quickly testing the retraction before riding. Saves money and hassle—don't wait until it breaks down to fix it.