Bleeding Front brakes Help
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,174
Likes: 2,480
From: Nor Cal
Also FWIW, his 2001 is DOT5...not caustic
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I had this same problem the first time I rebuilt my front system from the master cylinder down to the caliper. New parts, cleaned, blown out, and for the life of me I just could not get it to bleed. I have done a lot of automotive and airplane brake systems and I tried EVERY trick I knew! Vacuum pump, oil can, syringe, and some things I just thought up in desperation. Nothing worked. I got so frustrated that I just walked away from the bike for a few days and worked on other things before coming back to the brakes. I had read about bleeding from the top down, loosen up the banjo bolt and bleed the master, loosen the lower banjo bolt and bleed the line, and finally, bleed the caliper. Tap on the caliper while bleeding to move the bubbles out. That worked like a charm, done and done in a few minutes. After HOURS of getting nowhere, it just bleed like it is supposed to.
I also read an article about DoT 5 trapping microscopic air bubbles that are difficult to bleed and the trick is letting it set while those bubbles collect into bigger bubbles that are easier to bleed. Well, I did let it sit for a few days, and folks here have had success with tying back the brake lever and letting it sit overnight before trying to bleed.
I have bled the system using the top-down method a couple of times with good results...just be sure to keep a rag handy.
I also read an article about DoT 5 trapping microscopic air bubbles that are difficult to bleed and the trick is letting it set while those bubbles collect into bigger bubbles that are easier to bleed. Well, I did let it sit for a few days, and folks here have had success with tying back the brake lever and letting it sit overnight before trying to bleed.
I have bled the system using the top-down method a couple of times with good results...just be sure to keep a rag handy.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 1,726
From: Dallas, Texas
skinman13 has the right idea. However, IF all else fails - after all bleeding attempts are done and you are out of beer, pump the lever till it gets as firm as it can. Then hold the lever in to keep the pressure built up and tie it off. Leave it over night and untie in the morning. Check the fluid level in the master, put the cover back on and try it out. You WILL have brakes in the morning.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 185
Likes: 21
From: NorCal
I have vacuum bled, gravity bled, hand pumped.....The best results I have had are to make sure you have fluid coming out of the caliper bleeder and then close it, compress the brake lever with a zip tie, (leave a little play so you can remove it later) and walk away. I have had some that were good in a couple of hours and some over night. No mess, no fuss, and has worked every time.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Biggzie
Dyna Glide Models
14
May 28, 2016 09:03 PM
