The brake lever is the first thing your hand reaches for in an emergency. If it feels stiff, clicks or returns slowly, you lose precision and a fraction of a second. The most common cause is dust, grit and moisture in the lever pivot.
After wet rides, spring mud and winter road salt, the lever pivots dry out and clog with dirt. Simple monthly care restores light, crisp lever action.
What you will need
Important: Do not open the brake fluid reservoir cap on the lever unless necessary, and do not spray products onto the disc, pads or brake hoses. Hold a rag under the lever so nothing runs down onto brake parts.
Step 1
Wash the bike
Start with a general wash: spray on a mild motorcycle cleaner, leave it for a few minutes and rinse with warm water and a soft cloth. This removes the grit that would otherwise get into the pivot during treatment.
Dry the handlebars and levers with a microfibre cloth.
Step 2
Clean the lever pivot
Carefully apply WD-40 Smart Straw through the thin straw into the gap between the lever and the bracket at the pivot. Squeeze and release the lever fully several times so the product works inside and flushes out old dirt.
Wipe off anything that runs out with a clean rag. WD-40 Multi-Use displaces moisture and dissolves dirt, so the lever moves more freely straight away.
Step 3
Grease the pivot when dismantling
If the lever is still stiff, undo the locknut and pivot bolt, remove the lever and clean the bolt and its hole. Apply a thin layer of WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the pivot bolt and, on hydraulic brakes, a little to the point where the lever meets the pushrod.
Refit the lever, tighten the bolt without excessive force and lock it with the nut. The lever should move freely without play.
Step 4
Look after the clutch lever and cable
Treat a cable-operated clutch lever the same way. Apply a little WD-40 Multi-Use where the inner cable leaves the outer and on the adjuster, pull the clutch in several times and wipe off the excess.
Step 5
Check travel and adjustment
Make sure the levers return quickly and fully and that the reach adjusters turn freely. Set clutch lever free play as specified in the service manual.
Finally, squeeze the brake several times with the bike stationary and make sure the brakes work as they should.
Tip: After winter storage, treat the levers, pedals and ignition lock with
WD-40 Multi-Use before your first ride: it drives out moisture that has built up over the winter.
What next
Repeat this care monthly during the season and after every ride in the rain. Smooth levers give precise braking; check pad thickness and brake fluid level while you are at it.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».