When brakes break

Hayes HFX9, 5 or 6 years old, lever was going nearly all the way to the bars but v little bite. Tried to bleed it - damn sure all the air is out, but lever now goes all the way to the end of it's travel but produces practically no effect at the caliper. What's the trick to this? Is the bladder or whatever it's called knackered. No fluid leaks, almost certain no trapped air. Pads brand new so that's not the problem.

sounds like the seals on the master cylinder piston are gone so you need this

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=20130

Do u not remember when u came back to the chalet from ur nice WALK from the bottom of the MEGA track after u missed the bus/ski lift? and I was physically and mentally abusing my bike after realising that I had bled the brake 5 times only to discover that i hadnt put in the new seals right, 2-3 litres of brake fluid all over the nice stone drive way!

so i agree with al

That day is but a happy memory! Btt yes, I do recall something about a load of brake fluid about the place.

Thanks for the advice.

Sean I tried riding the pump track on the road slicks, I made a fool of myself in front of the local 10 year old hardchaws. Not going back there again, too embarrassed.

Now, I'm not biased or anything but my advice is to put your brakes on the ground, rent a steam roller and drive over them... then buy proper one's that aren't made by hayes.

And yeah, a steam roller, powered by steam, with a big coal furnace on it, it will be cheaper.... seriously

I'm with the Yeti on this one..go back to V brakes , they'll sort out your rolling resisitence issues and counteract your brass nipples !!