Magura bleeding problems...

[jasonmason]

This damn Louise brakeset is driving me nuts...I've gotten the front brake bled and it's working fine, but i can't seem to get my rear brake to work right. I've bled it 3 times, thinking there might still have been air in the lines, but by now there can't be any. My fittings are all fine, no leakage of fluid or air getting into the line from them. My pads are at least 80% there, and neither of the pistons are sticking...I just can't seem to get much pressure in the rear brake. The lever has minimal pressure, but will still bottom out really easily.
I've been sitting on these for a while, but every time i try to set them up they're nothing but a huge headache. Anyone got suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong, or have any other similar problems with the Louise?

[dubjay]

Have you tried messing with the lever reach adjustment? Maybe it's set in too far?

[jasonmason]

tried that - no dice.

It feels more like a pressure problem, there just doesn't seems to be anywhere in the system that i could be losing pressure...

[dubjay]

If there aren't any leaks anywhere, the only thing I can think of then would possibly be a rip in the diaphragm or something?

[jasonmason]

I think you may have been right...after you posted that i pulled the master apart and pulled the diaphragm, cleaned it, and put it back in, checking the seal. It didn't seal right the first couple of times, but once i got it right it seemed to be holding pressure better. I'll go ride it around and see if that fixed it...thanks!

[CalEpic]

If that doesn't do the trick make sure you're finishing the bleed by installing the MC cap then pushing more fluid through the caliper until the pads move.

C

[Cableguy]

I have always had problems bleeding Maguras, especially rear. Easy to setup, difficult to get it just right.

Try bleeding with the brake pads on. Just be very careful not to get oil on the pads. This is the only way it works for me when it fails the 1st time.

Also, push/pull lots of fluid both ways to get all the bubbles out. And push lot of fluid through one last time before putting everything in place. Keep the syringe plunger up, so you don't push bubbles through.

[jasonmason]

Tried that, still didn't work. These things are driving me nuts. I'm just putting the damn hayes back on and dealing with it some other time - this is eating into my ride time too much

[jbiron]

Not sure how the rear Louise is oriented on your bike, but with the Marta's on mine the hose coupling leaves the caliper at a 45 degree angle. The manual states that it must be straight up when bleeding. I guess that means removing it and holding it that way. Just a thought. Good luck!