I have an 07 Wide Glide with 11K miles on the factory brakes. When I apply the rear brake the break lever fails to return to the up position causing the brake to drag. I can lift the lever up with my toes releasing the rear brake.

I sprayed brake cleaner on the calipers to clean away any possible grime that may cause them to stick, bled the brakes, made sure the brake fluid resivoir was full and they still do not function correctly.

I pulled the rear wheel off so I could replace inspect the calibers. I have never pulled the wheel off myself before, in doing so the spacers dropped out before I could see where they are installed at.

1. Any ideas on how to identify whether the master cylinder or calibers are bad?

2. Can some one tell me where to install the spacers on each side of the rear wheel (A picture would be great)

3. How do I get the correct belt tension?

Thank you in advance for information you provide.

As for the brake lever there is a spring in the master cylinder and it could be gummed up. I think that the pedal has a return spring attached to it. Not sure but check it out maybe the spring is missing. It could be that you need to rebuild your master cylinder. If you like to do-it-yourself I highly recommend that you buy the shop manual. This will give you all the info for your bike and show you how to fix things. Like the tension on your belt to the torque specs for all the bolts. I like to buy the parts book too this gives you another view of how things are broken down. Example would be your back wheel, it will show you how the spacers are placed. These manuals are not very expensive you can buy both for under or around $100. I always buy them when I buy a new or used bike for the same reason that you started this thread.

Hope this helps and look forward to see you more on the forum.

I did not disassemble the brake lever to look for a spring, I do not suspect one being there. I do know there is a spring on the master cylinder covered with a rubber boot and connected to the push rod that connects from the brake lever and master cylinder. I pulled the boot back and from a quick inspection the spring and conneting parts appeared to be clean and servicable.

1- if they don't leak and they obviously work or the brake would not work. so ok there.
did you see if the lever pivot bolt is hanging up/needs lube?
2- measure- take a tape measure and check the width of the swing arm opening.
measure the axle of the wheel subtract 2 from 1 add spacers to center.
3-belt tension spec is found in the manual and measured by deflection.

If you can purchase the shop manual for your bike - there are pictures in it to help you understand what I'm explaining. Hope it helps.