Brake Fluid - Newbie

madfish · #1 10-13-2004, 04:22 PM

Hi guys,

complete newbie here got my FLSTC 03 2 weeks ago and whilst changing out the f brake lever I want to flush the brake system and change fluids........ any step by step instructions anywhere out there? TIA

Ironhead · #2 10-13-2004, 07:06 PM

unless the fluid is contaminated, why flush it?

If you are not so fortunate to own or have access to a power bleeder, you'll be doing it the other way.

If you are going to flush it, put a hose on your bleeder and the other end of the hose in a bucket/container (keeps from making a mess).

remove most, not all fluid from the master cylinder and fill with new fluid.

pump it up (like you would with bleeding brakes on your car) and open the bleeder valve.
when the brake handle/pedal bottoms out (hold it) and close your bleeder.

Continue above steps untill you have cleared the lines of the old fluid.

I hope this helps... God knows I'm trying! [8D]

madfish · #3 10-15-2004, 12:03 PM

Thanks Ironhead

fixerdj · #4 02-16-2005, 01:21 PM

be sure to use the right fluid. i dont think that dot 3 ( like you use in the cars ) is right. should be dot 5

DLeppik · #5 02-16-2005, 03:32 PM

Get a vacume pump. I have even seen them at Wal Mart for about $20. The one with a guage is nice. Un cap the front master cylinder and put the pump on the LF brake caliper and give it about 10 pumps, crack the bleed valve, keep an eye on the master cylinder and fill as needed. Then the RR Front keeping the front master cylinder nearly full. dont fill all the way to the top leave some room for the cap and rubber gasket to go back on. Protec your paint from splased or spilt brake fluid. I usually take one pump container out of each of the calipers maybe 4 ounces. Use DOT 5 and dont mix.

Doug

igniter · #6 02-16-2005, 03:58 PM

Your bike uses DOT 5 fluid. It will be a lot easier if you get yourself a "MITIVAC" to bleed all the air out of the system. Another way if you cant afford a pump is to open the bleeder with a hose going from the bleeder to a jar full of fluid and pump all the air out.