Suzuki GN 250 locked brakes?

**jewelcrest** · 29th May 2011, 17:19

G'day, just purchased a 1979 Suzuki GN 250 as my first bike. Rode it home and each time I used the front brake it became tighter and tighter until I couldn't move! Fortunately this happened just around the corner from my house and was able to drag the bike home. It has since loosened up a little but the brakes are still engaged.

Spoke to the bloke I bought it from and he said that he had noticed it dragging now and then but never anything that stopped him.

Any ideas, advice?
Cheers.

**riffer** · 29th May 2011, 17:35

Sure. It sounds like the caliper (and thus the piston inside it) is filthy.

Have you tried cleaning the calipers?

Do you have any idea how to do this, or are you a complete n00b regarding bike maintenance?

**dogsnbikes** · 29th May 2011, 17:36

I am guessing the 79 is a disc brake ?

it would be a fair guess to say they have never been stripped down or even cleaned or had the brake fluid changed in there lifetime..
give them a good spray with Brakecleen your find it at either Repco or Supercheap Auto,but recommend a strip down

If your not Confident about working on them yourself get someone who is too help you otherwise you will have too see a bike shop

If you don't have a manual search www.carlslater.com he may have one you can download

**jaffaonajappa** · 29th May 2011, 21:48

Originally Posted by jewelcrest

G'day, just purchased a 1979 Suzuki GN 250 as my first bike. Rode it home and each time I used the front brake it became tighter and tighter until I couldn't move! Fortunately this happened just around the corner from my house and was able to drag the bike home. It has since loosened up a little but the brakes are still engaged.

Spoke to the bloke I bought it from and he said that he had noticed it dragging now and then but never anything that stopped him.

Any ideas, advice?
Cheers.

Hi Jewelcrest, welcome to the forums. I see your in NSW.
If your an aussie, the solution is simple. Undo your front wheel, start the motor, engage 1st gear, and hold on tight. Let us know how this goes for ya.

If your in NSW but are in fact a kiwi - like mentioned before, it sounds like your brake fluid urgently needs replacing. Its actually not a difficult task - if you have a couple of spanners, some hose, some brake fluid, and about 10 minutes time.

Let us know which option suits best - can probably dig up an online link / video....

**FJRider** · 29th May 2011, 22:21

Possibly the pads are down to minimum (or less) thickness, and the piston is at maximum travel ... (or more)

Try unscrewing the brake bleeder nipple, thus releasing any pressure in the lines, then try to lever back the piston ...

**jewelcrest** · 29th May 2011, 23:18

Many thanks for the quick responses. I am in n s welshm'n so I tried jaffaonajappa's suggestion but all that did was fine tune my wheelie skills! Would be keen to check out the links you suggested jaffaonajappa as I am new to the field. I'll try and get a hold of a manual too. Any suggestions where to look for one of these? Thanks again.

**jaffaonajappa** · 29th May 2011, 23:41

Originally Posted by jewelcrest

Many thanks for the quick responses. I am in n s welshm'n so I tried jaffaonajappa's suggestion but all that did was fine tune my wheelie skills! Would be keen to check out the links you suggested jaffaonajappa as I am new to the field. I'll try and get a hold of a manual too. Any suggestions where to look for one of these? Thanks again.

hahah, okies.
Heres two links. One vid explanation - another which can help with heaps of other bike maintenance issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09peSQc9ROI
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

If it was me - and Id never seen it done before, Id probably find someone local to help me on the first brake fluid changing sess.

Note: Play is safe - buy a small bottle of DOT 5.1 fluid. (not 5.0 fluid!) edit. Actually - go visit the local Suzuki shop and double check what Fluid you need - or get the manual for the bike.