hard pedal on rear brakes

[gado]

I have to really come onto the rear pedal on my 09 Dyna Superglide to get the rear brakes to work. Changed the pads and no change. The calipers seemed good, no problem pushing pistons in. Just wondering if it might be something simple before I buy a rebuild kit?

[fbn ent]

ABS ?

[Coyote]

ABS ?

Don't think so. Probably the M/C.

[b0fh]

no ABS in a 09.

how is the 'feel' on the pedal? how long does it 'travel' ?

[gado]

Pedal feels good not spongy just not much braking.

[JW113]

Can you lock the rear wheel with the brake?

Perhaps take the disk off and sand it really good on both sides with 150 grit emery paper.

-JW

[PoorUB]

Pads in backwards?

[gado]

I can lock them up if I stand on them I think. Pads only go 1 way.

[PoorUB]

I can lock them up if I stand on them I think. Pads only go 1 way.

I wouldn't bet on that!

[86fxwg]

Can you lock the rear wheel with the brake?

Perhaps take the disk off and sand it really good on both sides with 150 grit emery paper.

-JW

This!
Or u have high & low spots across the surface area of the rotor from the old pads, therefore ur contact surface  area of the new pads is less needing a heavier foot to get the same result.

86

[JW113]

Eliminate the possibility that the disk is so glazed that it doesn't create enough friction to function. Any chance that oil got on it at one time?

-JW

[b0fh]

Pedal feels good not spongy just not much braking.

sounds like my former dyna then... also a 09 (FXDC). rear brake on that thing was weak, but could lock up if given enough 'stomp'.

[Hossamania]

Has the system been bled in the last two years?
I also agree on cleaning up the rotor.

[gado]

Thanks, I'll have a good look at the disk and rough it up. I did clean it with brake cleaner when I changed the pads.

[Hossamania]

How old is the brake fluid?

[JW113]

It's normal maintenance to bleed/flush the caliper/m-c each time you change brake pads. Was this done?

-JW

[gado]

Did not touch the fluid, I'll change that too. Thanks.

[gado]

I changed the fluid and cleaned the disk and now have decent rear brakes, thanks to all who replied.

[fbn ent]