SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
Front brake lever
Ken4004:
Hi everyone I have a question about the the cb 400 four front brake , I know that the front brake on this model is not great but after fitting a new master cylinder a new set of hoses and fully bleeding the system the brake lever can be pulled back to within 15mm of the handle bar grips.
I believe it’s probably due to the hoses expanding under pressure as you can feel them expanding under pressure.
The answer would probably be to change the hoses for some stainless steel braided hoses to stop this flexing but how much difference does it really make to the effectiveness of the brakes by upgrading the hoses basically is it worth it ?
TrickyMicky:
In October 2020, like yourself, I replaced evrything except the disc. These were all original type (NOT OE), fittings, so no braided steel hoses etc. Even now, when I apply the front brake, it is a very firm, nearly hard feel, and I'm sure that if I felt brave or daft enough I could lock the front wheel. If your flexi hoses are new, and you can feel them expanding, then I would send them back and try another brand. Make doubly sure that you have bled the system properly, quick check is to rapidly pump the handlebar lever, if it firms up th en you have air in the system. Check with some blue workshop paper round every joint to see if there are any leaks. Finally, make sure that you have adjusted the caliper to give the accepted minimum clearance between pad and disc. Sorry, cannot remember the figure. Get it sorted before you even think of taking it out on the road mate.
PS Have just found my old purchase details, my pipework I bought from Legend
Ken4004:
Hi Tricky thanks for the advice , no I wasn’t going to take it on the road as it is but just wanted to know what is normal, I cannot pull the lever right up to the bars but within 15 mm and I am pretty sure all the air is out.
I bought the hoses from Wemoto in Brighton so would have thought they should be reasonable.
I will check out all the set up again and see if I can get any more air out and see where I am after that.
Thanks again regards Ken
Mikep328:
"I know that the front brake on this model is not great "
Old wives tale courtesy of the internet. Per road test data from then/now the 400F had the same stopping distance from speed as current middleweight standard Honda's.
more info... (you can take a look at the whole thread if interested)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,29559.msg285797.html#msg285797
Oddjob:
Quite possibly true Mike. Until it rains that is. Then it's pull and pray time. The other main difference is how it's setup. Brand new it would be ok, as it wore however it got worse, the new ones don't do that due to different design. For it's age it's a ok system, better with another disc fitted though.
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