Honda Motorcycle Service Manual page 280

BRAKES
Never reuse brake fluid due to the possibility of contamination
from dust or moisture absorption.
If the brake fluid in a system shows any visual signs of con-
tamination, it should be replaced - even if the recommended
replacement interval has not passed.
You must be careful when handling brake fluid because it can
quickly damage many painted or plastic surfaces on contact.
In certain plastics, structural damage can occur if brake fluid
penetrates the material's surface. The only general exception
is the components of the brake system that are designed to be
resistant to the effects of brake fluid. Brake fluid that is spilled
on a motorcycle should be washed away with water
immediately.
Before removing the reservoir cover, turn the handlebar until
the reservoir is level.
Place a rag over painted, plastic or rubber parts whenever the
system is serviced.
CAUTION
/
.
Spilled fluid will damage painted, plastic or rubber p 3
Refill with the same type of fluid from an unopened container.
DO not allow foreign material to enter the system when refill-
ing the reservoir.
wrong fluid can cause loss of braking
1
Contaminated fluid can clog the system, causing a loss
of braki"g ability.
Lever stroke
>
Caliper piston stroke
LEVER
The caliper pistons are in direct contact with the back side of
the brake pads. Anti-squeal shims are normally used between
the piston and pad. As these pads press against opposite sides
of the disc, the rotation of the wheel is slowed.
Pressure applied against the brake lever or pedal moves the
piston within the master cylinder unit. Hydraulic fluid pressure
is then transmitted through the brake line to the caliper where
it presses against one or more caliper pistons. Because hy-
draulic fluid cannot compress, the caliper piston(s1 move at
the same instant as does the master piston in the master
cylinder.
The rise in hydraulic pressure that takes place between the
master cylinder and the caliper because of the differences i n
the diameter of these parts is most signigicant. During
development, these sizes are juggled to achieve best braking
force and "feel". The leverage ratio offered by the design of
When the brake lever is released, hydraulic pressure decreases
and the pads cease to press against the disc. Unlike drum
brake systems where a spring retracts the shoes from the
drum surface, on disc brake systems, the resilience of the
caliper piston seals retracts the pads from the disc and
automatically self-adjust for wear.
1
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F ~ ~ ~ . . ~ ~ . ~ . , ~
I
q.0
- 1
Master piston diameter
<
Caliper piston diameter
(Pushing force)
<
(Energy generated)
CALIPER
Date of Issue : March, 1995
O
HONDA MOTOR CO.,LTD.
the lever or pedal acting upon the master piston also helps to
increase the force to be transmitted to the caliper pistons
compared to the force initially applied.
Return of piston due to the resilience of the seal