What to do about super stiff brake handle - no freeplay whatsoever!

[Frostbite]

I never noticed the brake lever being super stiff before like it is now.

I had my parking brake on for several hundred miles in my covered trailer and when I took the sled out I noticed my brake lever was super stiff and had no freeplay whatsoever. There is no adjustment that I can see to relieve some of the tension so just a touch of the brake lever is all I need to skid the track. I know on Yamaha's there was an adjustable brake lever so one could adjust the modulation of the brake but, I see nothing I can adjust.

Is there something wrong with my brakes now and is there a way to get a bit of freeplay back into my brake lever?

 

[KSH]

I never noticed the brake lever being super stiff before like it is now.

I had my parking brake on for several hundred miles in my covered trailer and when I took the sled out I noticed my brake lever was super stiff and had no freeplay whatsoever. There is no adjustment that I can see to relieve some of the tension so just a touch of the brake lever is all I need to skid the track. I know on Yamaha's there was an adjustable brake lever so one could adjust the modulation of the brake but, I see nothing I can adjust.

Is there something wrong with my brakes now and is there a way to get a bit of freeplay back into my brake lever?

Check on your brake pads.
There is a hairpin that holds them in. They can some times go sideways and hold the pads tight.

 

[Frostbite]

I'll check the clip, thank you!

Any other ideas?

 

[Burn Down]

Not sure what would make your lever stiff? How cold is the sled? Maybe the brake fluid is just cold from the trailer ride, might just need to work the lever for a little bit.
I never leave my park brake on for extended periods, someone way back when said not to (can't remember why). Besides every time I do I forget & try & take off, flat spot on the belt.

 

[brendank69]

Not sure what would make your lever stiff? How cold is the sled? Maybe the brake fluid is just cold from the trailer ride, might just need to work the lever for a little bit.
I never leave my park brake on for extended periods, someone way back when said not to (can't remember why). Besides every time I do I forget & try & take off, flat spot on the belt.

Hydraulic systems like the brakes on a sled aren't meant to be pressurized for long periods of time. Sort of like why the ebrake on your car is mechanical and not hydraulic.

As a rule, I won't leave the brake locked for more than ten minutes or so. If you're locking it to trailer, then you need to strap it properly instead.

 

[kane13]

X2^^ but usually it would make your braking weaker??? anyways never leave the park brake on for extented periods.

 

[Frostbite]

Yes, it was the clip on the brake pins that had tipped sideways and kept the brakes tight.

It's fine now, thank you.

 

[fuzz]

Just stroke it until it relaxes.