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Rear Brake Failed

329 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Redcard
2019 R1250 GS HP
Got the bike in Jan. '23.

Rear brake has been getting squishy and eventually failed altogether. The lever sinks freely to the bottom with no resistance. The linked braking still applies some stopping power to the rear, as tested while on the center stand.

As stated, the rear brake seemed to be getting squishy. I had maintenance planned this week anyway. Did all the fluids and bled the brakes, including the ABS with the GS-911. Still no joy.

Suspect the rear master cylinder. An online search tells me it's been a long known problem. Off to the dealer. I have one month left on the original warranty. Then an extended warranty kicks in.
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Yes a known problem. May times even a new MC corrects the issue for a short time and then its back to the pedal dropping. Good thing is the front continues to work and since we have linked brakes its ok unless you are riding in Enduro Pro and need the rear brakes to jam the rear.
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I heard they came out with a softwhere update fo fix that problem. Seemed to work with mine.
I heard they came out with a softwhere update fo fix that problem. Seemed to work with mine.
Seems like the master cylinder is a purely physical device. But they did tell me I need a s/w update. I'll have to ask the reason for the update when I take it in next week.
Seems like the master cylinder is a purely physical device. But they did tell me I need a s/w update. I'll have to ask the reason for the update when I take it in next week.
Something to do with the linked breaking system.
There were two recalls / service bulletins about brakes.

1) the whole Hayes issue with leaky calipers - impacted front and back brakes. The fix was a replacement of the calipers. Initially they weren't replacing unless there were signs of leaking - think that no longer matters, if you've got Hayes calipers with specific date/serial number range... you get them replaced

2) the linked brake issue is software and had to do with either locking up the rear brake or something along those lines... think ABS, not spongy...

If it's under warranty - take advantage and take it in!

Good luck
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I had the master cylinder replaced once under warranty on my 2018 R1200GS Rallye. It solved the drooping rear brake pedal for about one year then back to no rear brake. Then a different BMW dealer recommended using a racing version of DOT4 higher temp, less foaming? Its still working well after 1.5 years.
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I had the master cylinder replaced once under warranty on my 2018 R1200GS Rallye. It solved the drooping rear brake pedal for about one year then back to no rear brake. Then a different BMW dealer recommended using a racing version of DOT4 higher temp, less foaming? Its still working well after 1.5 years.
Probably higher temps. I would use race DOT 4 on the race track in modded Audi. Didn't see a reason to need it on the GS, but will keep that in mind. I did just bleed the system this past weekend.

I have a dealer appointment tomorrow morning.
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