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Message started by paulchristi on 01/08/11 at 12:29:10

Title: Replace front brake fluid
Post by paulchristi on 01/08/11 at 12:29:10

Could anyone give a quick how-to in regards to bleeding out and replacing the brake fluid? Thanks!

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by MotoBuddha on 01/08/11 at 12:45:04

Get a piece of clear tubing that will fit snugly on the bleeder. Put the other end in something like your half empty brake fluid bottle so air won't get sucked into the caliper.

Get an open end wrench the size of the bleeder.

Get something like a velcro strap to hold the brake lever against the grip.

Pour brake fluid in the master cylinder with the bleeder closed.

Pump the brake lever a couple of times and strap it down.

Open the bleeder for about a second, then close it.

Pump the brake lever a couple of times and strap it down.

Open the bleeder for about a second, then close it.

Pump the brake lever a couple of times and strap it down.

This repetitive stuff is easier if one person tends the bleeder and another works the lever, though you need to keep your actions coordinated. The trick is to never open the bleeder without the lever being held down.

All the time, watch the brake fluid coming out of the bleeder. (You might need to add fluid to the master cylinder as you go.) When you stop getting air bubbles and the lever won't compress anymore, you're done. Top off the fluid in the master cylinder to the proper level and install the cover.

Sometimes, if the brake still won't feel firm, you might need to tap on the caliper to dislodge bubbles.

- - - - - - -

Oops, okay, this assumes your system is already empty because, like me, you've disassembled everything, soaked and cleaned it, replaced the piston seals in the caliper, put on a braided stainless steel line, yadda yadda yadda.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/08/11 at 12:48:23

First step, suck the fluid out of the master cylinder, thatll save a lot of work. Then, fill it back up, then, crack the bleeder screw, if youre very patient, you may be able to leave it open & put a tube on it, & let it drain into a container, or put a vacuum on it. Otherwise, youll need to pull the brake, close the bleeder, let the brake off, open the bleeder, squeeze the brake, etc.
Never let off the brake while the bleeder is open, youl;l suck air in.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by verslagen1 on 01/08/11 at 12:53:46

Use the "open beer" technique.

Level handlebars,
remove cap, don't let it drip,
wipe up and clean anywhere it does. (removes paint)
put closed end wrench on bleeder, crack open, then close.
put tube on bleeder and other end in jar.
open bleeder
then go get a beer come back and watch the fluid drain into the jar.
before it starts sucking air, refill, then keep full. try to remember not to put beer in the master.
when you've drained about a half pint of fluid, close the bleeder and check the lever. if it feels good then you're done. if not the usual bleeding technique applies.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by photojoe on 01/08/11 at 12:59:46

7F6C7B7A65686E6C6738090 wrote:

That's exactly how I did it but without the beer.

Really, once you do it, you'll see how easy it is. It's a cakewalk in the world of motorcycle maintenance.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by paulchristi on 01/08/11 at 19:12:54

Thanks everyone! I did it and it worked great. What I did was keep adding fluid to the master and pumping it through until everything was clear. When I bought the brake fluid I also got a clear hose with a check valve on it that attaches to the bleeder nipple for a few bucks.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/08/11 at 23:42:28

Coulda saved fluid & pumping if youda sucked the mastercylinder down.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by verslagen1 on 01/09/11 at 00:21:45

if you sucked it dry, it's hard getting it started again.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by 2whlthrpy on 01/09/11 at 05:04:48

Ummm.....I am not touching that one. :o

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by bill67 on 01/09/11 at 05:29:40

You don't have to change brake fluid I've had 2 bikes over 20 years and never change the fluid,Look how long cars goes without changing fluid.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by MotoBuddha on 01/09/11 at 06:03:00

Well, you might "need" to if you have a compulsion to work on your bike and you've run out of things to fiddle with.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/09/11 at 07:28:07

7F6C7B7A65686E6C6738090 wrote:

if you sucked it dry, it's hard getting it started again.

Its not necessary to suck every drop out. Just saves effort, & a little fluid.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by verslagen1 on 01/09/11 at 09:01:02

6D7274736E6958685860727E35070 wrote:

[quote author=7F6C7B7A65686E6C6738090 link=1294518550/0#7 date=1294561305]if you sucked it dry, it's hard getting it started again.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by drums1 on 01/09/11 at 09:18:07

Indeed gravity bleeding is the easiest way. I've done it on cars for 23 years. As long as you remember to keep topping off the master, and provided you didn't have any air in the system to start with, it is failsafe. I usually give the lever a few pumps and crack the bleeder right at the end, to be sure. And it's not needed to pump the foot brake at all, as the rears are totally mechanical. All the fluid is for the fronts.

Title: Re: Replace front brake fluid
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/09/11 at 09:59:51

2B382F2E313C3A38336C5D0 wrote:

[quote author=6D7274736E6958685860727E35070 link=1294518550/0#11 date=1294586887][quote author=7F6C7B7A65686E6C6738090 link=1294518550/0#7 date=1294561305]if you sucked it dry, it's hard getting it started again.

Its not necessary to suck every drop out. Just saves effort, & a little fluid. [/quote]

So finding a sucker, sucking the fluid out takes less effort than going for a beer?

And since you're throwing the fluid away, what are you saving?

Pushing that fluid thru may rinse out a little more crap anyway.[/quote]

Well, I dont have to "find: a sucker, since I have a rather large syringe from the vet rubber banded to the brake fluid & I have a fridge in the shop, so I dont have to "Go" get a beer. So, Ill pull some off & ditch it & I'll fill the M/C, then Ill let it drip on down some, till the hose & caliper have dumped their crud,
I am a big believer in the rule of 80/20. I dont think a properly functioning brake system really needs a lot of flushing. Simply ditching the old fluid is all I see it needing.

Thats just how I do it, Im sure your way is just as good if not better.