Have a 97 vmax 500 that I just purchased. Having problems with the brake sticking. Really goofy things have been happening. First time it stuck pulled caliper apart and cleaned. Seemed good. Checked couple days later and it was stuck again. Replaced pistons and seals in caliper. Also squared up brake pads on surface grinder. Seemed good until brought it in to a heated building and about 15 minutes later it stuck again. Drained brake fluid from master cylinder and cleaned master cylinder but did not pull piston and seals out. Seemed good . Sat outside couple days and when I brought it inside and 15 minutes later and it locked up again. Cracked brake line by caliper and pressure released from pads. Took it for a ride and it locked up on me again. Cracked brake line and it released again. Sled sat outside couple days was locked again when I checked. Did nothing to it but when I checked next day it had released itself. Ordered rebuild kit for master cylinder but didn't get it yet. Thinking its gotta be that or the brake line. Anybody ever have this happen to them? Don't seem to be any pattern just locks up when it wants to. Anybody got any ideas?
roudyroy1
Active member
have you had the chain case apart recently? i know on some trailing arm vmaxs if you swap some of the shaft spacers there is potential for a sticking brake type situation.
I have not had it apart but not sure about the guy I bought it from. If that would be the problem would the pads release when you crack the brake line loose?
YooperWoods
New member
I'm betting your problem is in the master cylinder if it's not releasing pressure. The only other possible issue I can think if is the brake hose. In automotive brakes I've seen a couple instances over the years where a brake hose has deteriorated inside and acted like a one way valve. You could press the brakes and they would work but the hose would not let pressure release back. Rare though.