Back Brakes not engaging

[henson802]

Hey all - quick question -

My back brakes are not engaging. There is a good bit of padding on it, but when I push down on back brake pedal , brake light comes on, but the pads aren't moving at all.

Could someone pleasehelp where I should be looking and adjusting??

Thanks - it's a 2010 TE 250 but I imagine the setup is roughly same across the TE line...

 

[R_Little]

Check your brake fluid level.....as the pads wear the fluid level drops.

May be air in the system now.

Make sure the rear caliper moves freely side to side....clean caliper pins if needed.

Since the bike is 3 yrs old the brake fluid should be changed by now anyway.

 

[tom73]

I believe the brake light is activated on fluid pressure, if that is the case and the ligh is working the issue may be a frozen caliper or caliper pin not allowing the pads to engage. Note that the light actuator does not need much pressure to work so no promises. How does the pedal feel? Is it going all the way down with little to no resistance. Can you pump the brakes to build pressure?

 

[Sceep]

I believe the brake light is activated on fluid pressure, if that is the case and the ligh is working the issue may be a frozen caliper or caliper pin not allowing the pads to engage. Note that the light actuator does not need much pressure to work so no promises. How does the pedal feel? Is it going all the way down with little to no resistance. Can you pump the brakes to build pressure?

^^ i'd start here. if the light is working via the rear break pedal you have to be getting "some" fluid pressure. problem exists at the caliper IMO.

 

[henson802]

Thanks all, very helpful as usual. The pedal feels normal, it goes down with some resistance (not sure the extent of it) but it ain't braking from what I could feel - will have to double check again. I just remember last time I rode it, I was holding clutch and tapping back brake expecting to slow and it wasn't so used the front brake which is always sketchy hehe

Also - does the battery / bike need to be on in order for the rear brake to engage? I don't have much time now but will look again this weekend. What is the caliper? Look like or attach to? Sorry for noob question, not familar with this part of bike.

Appreciate it!

 

[James Patton]

Any oil on rotor? I have cleaned my bike and had spray wax or wd40 get on the rotor and the brakes won't slow
You down...

 

[Sceep]

no the bike doesnt have to be running.

the caliper is the part on the swingarm, that houses the brake pads that the axle goes thru.

seeing how you dont know that, i would suggest you take it to your local shop for repair. brakes aren't something i'd suggest as a first wrenching project. if you get em wrong, it could be your life.