Spongy/Ineffective brake after bike being in storage

[breakaway]

Hi,

My bike hasn't been used much in the past couple of years. It spent a portion of that outside in a covered carport.

I am trying to bring it back to its former glory but I'm finding the brakes are very spongy. Feels like there is air in it. It was fine before it was put away and when occasionally ridden OK too.

No obvious fluid leaks, reservoir looks OK.

Should I start with just dumping the fluid, chasing with meths and re-filling/bleeding and go from there? Or is it better to start with a full overhaul? How often are you supposed to 'rebuild' the master/calipers anyway?

[jafagsx250]

Brake fluid absorbs moisture. I would check with a workshop manual as to what's a safe solvent to try and dry out the lines. And then put dress stuff in and properly bleed it.

can someone tell me the speed cameras location before I pass it

[Katman]

Just bleed fresh brake fluid through the system.

[AllanB]

Just bleed fresh brake fluid through the system.

What he said. And check each line for perishing.

[F5 Dave]

Brake fluid absorbs moisture. I would check with a workshop manual as to what's a safe solvent to try and dry out the lines. And then put dress stuff in and properly bleed it.

can someone tell me the speed cameras location before I pass it

Jesus don't give advice if you don't have a clue, these are brakes.

Pump through new fluid. Ideally then you should take each caliper off, pads out, inspect pads, pump pistons out a little and clean with thin rags, inspect for corrosion or obvious seal defects. Push pistons back in. Think before forcing anything.
The idea is that the pistons move freely.

After this you are into seal kits and complete removal but you want to know what you are doing at that stage.

What bike and std rubber lines?

[jafagsx250]

Jesus don't give advice if you don't have a clue, these are brakes.

Pump through new fluid. Ideally then you should take each caliper off, pads out, inspect pads, pump pistons out a little and clean with thin rags, inspect for corrosion or obvious seal defects. Push pistons back in. Think before forcing anything.
The idea is that the pistons move freely.

After this you are into seal kits and complete removal but you want to know what you are doing at that stage.

What bike and std rubber lines?

Good point. My bad.

can someone tell me the speed cameras location before I pass it