RTF ...Brake bleeding 101

[stevo]

OK guys seein as this is comin up too often.....here's a few tricks


The vacuum thingos are OK but I have one and don't use it.....not worth setting it up..


Before ya start crack the bleeder nipple with a ring spanner or socket ..... DO NOT use an open ended spanner...

Place the spanner on the nut and then put a length of hose over the nipple...I prefer clear hose and battery overflow hose works well.


Turn the handlebars to the left so the master cylinder is high.....it may be nesc to undo the master cyl a touch and move it around so that it is close to level fore and aft and the lever side needs to be higher than the outlet....

Take the cap off the master cylinder

If you are just changing fluid then pull the lever in slowly (if ya do it quickly it will squirt upwards...and wrap some rags oveer everything close while ya at it)
crack the the bleeder nipple slightly and pull the lever all the way in..

Nip the bleeder up BEFORE ya release the lever or ya just got air in there.

repeat untill the master cyl is ALMOST empty.....

then get a rag and clean the master cyl out...spotless....


pour in some new fluid and repeat the bleed...untill new fluid is coming out of the other end...you will have to top up the master cyl a few times..

Now if eveerything goes well...tighten the nipple up and check ya got good lever..and ya should be fine..




If you replace the line or get air in the system then this is where the position of the master cyl comes in handy...

set up the bleeder nipple and hose and spanner like I said to start with and fill the master cyl with new fluid

as you pull the lever in slowly it will close off the bleed port and then start to compress the fluid in the line...

if you have air in the line then "tickle" the lever lightly between these two points... you wil see air bubbles come out....

Keep ticklin and alternately pulling the lever in all the way and cracking the bleed nipple as in the first stage....ya want about half a dozen tickles for each couple of full throws....

As you start to get a bit of lever but still have air... tap the line all the way up it as you tickle the lever....the cross over piece under the bottom tree is a real pain if ya got dual discs...


Keep repeating untill ya got it....as it takes a bit of feel

I can do a fluid change in about 10 minutes...so it just takes practice

[txsporty]

Great write Stevo!!!

[misterwizard1]

On the front brake, I just wiggle the brake lever until the bubbles are out and I have a good lever. Did this when I installed braided cables and front brake line. Never opened the bleeder on the caliper.
Mike

[sportsterman99]

insatall a clear line on the brake bleeder fill with dot 5 fluid open bleeder take an airline force the fluid up and presto you have brakes.

[zbaber]

Originally Posted by sportsterman99

insatall a clear line on the brake bleeder fill with dot 5 fluid open bleeder take an airline force the fluid up and presto you have brakes.

this works great if you use a lower pressure source (tire pump, or something like it)... i've done it to multiple motorcycles, 4 wheelers, and dirtbikes. so much faster.

[KC_Sporty_Gal]

What diameter hose fits over the nipple?

[KC_Sporty_Gal]

Anyone have an answer? Need to get some air out of my lines. Squishy back brake. On my iPhone... Sorry for not searching more... Need to get dot 5 and clear tube on way home from work.

[Sporting Lad]

You need(ed) 5/16" I.D. plastic tubing.
I hope this message reaches you in time....
Good luck.

[Horse]

1/4 id clear line works better. harder to get on but it won't slip off. And to be honest I've never had to touch the lever. simply cracking open the bleeder with the cap off the reservoir has always resulted in the fluid gravity bleeding. I'm a big believer in the vaccum pump for the rear though, otherwise it can turn into a fiasco quick with the slightest mistake.

[Loner]

when I use the clear tubing I put a zip tie on just tight enough to keep it on the brake bleeder. I also have dual discs up front and I got the speed bleeders don't impress me all that much and I'm coming up due for a fluid change front and back.