Mystery to me........

[rangerbob56]

I saw that my rear brake fluid reservoir was low; reading below the "low" line on the kickstand, at the "low" mark sitting level. I added fluid to bring it up to the correct level. I also inspected the complete system, from the fluid reservoir to the rear pad, and found no leaks or wet spots where brake fluid had been leaking. But..... now my rear brake sounds like it is dragging. I assume that the next step is to inspect the rear brake pads, and to bleed the system.
My R3R is a 2012 model, with 12,000 miles; ready for brake shoes already? Any ideas where the brake fluid went?
The sound you hear is Rangerbob scratching his head.......lol

 

[BigKel]

The more worn the pads are the more fluid you need to operate them.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

I can't think of any reason to bleed them unless they are spongy. I'm gonna take an educated guess that your rear pads are down to the metal. It used most of your fluid to push them out that far. The metal to metal is what your hearing as "dragging". If that is the case, when you replace them you will probably have to much fluid and will have to remove some from the reservoir. Not sure if a 2012 has anti-lock brakes or what is involved to bleed them. I know it's different than bleeding "lock if they want" brakes.

 

[CanberraR3]

My money's on worn pads. Replace them and the fluid level will come up.. As Fred says, because you've topped up the fluid you will most likely have too much in there now.

 

[1olbull]

I saw that my rear brake fluid reservoir was low; reading below the "low" line on the kickstand, at the "low" mark sitting level. I added fluid to bring it up to the correct level. I also inspected the complete system, from the fluid reservoir to the rear pad, and found no leaks or wet spots where brake fluid had been leaking. But..... now my rear brake sounds like it is dragging. I assume that the next step is to inspect the rear brake pads, and to bleed the system.
My R3R is a 2012 model, with 12,000 miles; ready for brake shoes already? Any ideas where the brake fluid went?
The sound you hear is Rangerbob scratching his head.......lol

You have ABS and if bleeding is necessary, you'll need the "special tool".

 

[Blackthou]

Are you heavy on the rear brake? Doesn't sound many miles but as said previously the fluid level drops as the pads wear as greater displacement is required.

 

[1olbull]

Are you heavy on the rear brake? Doesn't sound many miles but as said previously the fluid level drops as the pads wear as greater displacement is required.

My fronts were toast at that mileage but the OEM rear pads are still hanging in at 23K.
Perhaps a primary rear braker?

 

[Bob R]

Are you heavy on the rear brake?

Riding a 2013 R3T without ABS, that rear brake gives me the heebie-jeebies. You have to be so light on it all the time or you lock up the rear like yesterday. I figure my pad replacement will be 4 to 1 or something. I expect the rears to last nearly forever. I think the most use I get of the rear is dragging them through some corners that have jumped up and became a lot tighter than they should have been.

bob

 

[Bedifferent]

Riding a 2013 R3T without ABS, that rear brake gives me the heebie-jeebies. You have to be so light on it all the time or you lock up the rear like yesterday. I figure my pad replacement will be 4 to 1 or something. I expect the rears to last nearly forever. I think the most use I get of the rear is dragging them through some corners that have jumped up and became a lot tighter than they should have been.

bob

Hmmmm....I've only had one lockup and I hit the binder really quick and hard that time. A little dirt on the road didn't help. Normal braking has been without problems, but I do get a lot of use out of my front brake and always have. No ABS here either.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

You have ABS and if bleeding is necessary, you'll need the "special tool".

That's "Mr. special tool" to you pal