Brake Bleeding Tip
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
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From: New York
Brake Bleeding Tip
Mentioned to a mechanic friend the front brake on my new bike needed to be bled. He shared a tip he used when he worked at a dealership. Wrap a cloth around the throttle grip and engage the brake fully. Use a long tie wrap pulled around the grip to hold the brake engaged overnight. The constant pressure will force air bubbles to work their way to the brake fluid resovoir. I tried it and it worked.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Garland, TX
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Del Rio TX
Mentioned to a mechanic friend the front brake on my new bike needed to be bled. He shared a tip he used when he worked at a dealership. Wrap a cloth around the throttle grip and engage the brake fully. Use a long tie wrap pulled around the grip to hold the brake engaged overnight. The constant pressure will force air bubbles to work their way to the brake fluid resovoir. I tried it and it worked.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If it needs to be topped off afterwards, yes.
This is a old school trick that works.
I use a vacuum to change brake fluid or bleed and then I will do this to make sure no air is stuck anywhere. If air is in the line somewhere it can get stuck is a few areas this helps to move the air out. Banjo fittings, master cylinder air can get stuck there.
This is a old school trick that works.
I use a vacuum to change brake fluid or bleed and then I will do this to make sure no air is stuck anywhere. If air is in the line somewhere it can get stuck is a few areas this helps to move the air out. Banjo fittings, master cylinder air can get stuck there.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
From: Houston
Mentioned to a mechanic friend the front brake on my new bike needed to be bled. He shared a tip he used when he worked at a dealership. Wrap a cloth around the throttle grip and engage the brake fully. Use a long tie wrap pulled around the grip to hold the brake engaged overnight. The constant pressure will force air bubbles to work their way to the brake fluid resovoir. I tried it and it worked.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
I have another tip for you, when the bike is on kick stand, the handlebar always cranks to the left. Turn the handlebar all the way to the right while you are bleeding, the bleeder screw sits higher that way, air will come out a lot easier. Trust me 
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