Rear brake problem.
 

I replaced my rear brake pads the other day. Now when i step on the brake peddle, it goes down much further than it used to, and the brake barely slows the bike down. It feels like air in the lines, but I don't see how that is possible, seeing as how all i did was change the pads.

I haven't bled the brakes yet, but like i said, i don't see how that could be the problem. Anyway, I notice now that the caliper kind of pivots, or cocks around the rear caliper bolt bearing. (The rubber tube that the rear bolt goes through on the caliper itself) I'm not sure if anyone else's does that, or if its normal for it to move/pivot slightly, or if i should look into replacing that...

Also, they are not exactly the greatest of pads either, so that may also be the problem... but either way, the slight tweaking has me concerned. I'm going to bleed the brakes, just because it seems like it is the problem, for the lack of braking and stiffness... But the pads i just took off were also worn strangely, at an angle, with the top of the pad not worn as far as the bottom... so I dont know, just wondering if anyone had any ideas.

make sure the motor is running when u bleed the brake ....

bleed the brakes, use the front more, the rear isnt designed to 'stop' the bike the front brakes are. Rear is for stabilization.

Did you push down the brake when you had the pads off? What is your brake fluid level at? It should of went up if anything putting on new pads..

I know the back isnt for stopping, but there is a distinct difference between now and before. I cant even lock the back brake up if i stand on it.

The fluid level is normal, and i didnt step on the brake with it off... Like i said, It feels like air in the line, I just dont see how it would have happened, but i'll be bleeding them when i get a chance, and just hope it fixes it.

You need to bleed the brakes...integral part of brake job.

As said, you're not going to get effective stopping of bike w/ rear brake. Front brakes are for stopping the bike w/ *help* of rear.

Hmm, wierd. I changed my front pads and never needed to bleed it... but like i said, thats what it feels like, and hope thats all it is...

If the pads were worn on an angle on of the caliper slide pins are not moving/binding. The caliper should move back and forth freely on the slide pins. This could also cause the pedal to not feel right. free up the pins and see how it works before bleeding the brakes.

Trying to offer help 12 years later... Well done!

oops,