Bleeding brakes
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: East McKeesport,Pennsylvania
Bleeding brakes
1997 FLHTC.
I am restoring this bike. All new brake lines, I put DOT 5 in it today to bleed brakes and I cannot draw fluid through lines...I started with front brakes..anybody help me out? What's my problem?
I am restoring this bike. All new brake lines, I put DOT 5 in it today to bleed brakes and I cannot draw fluid through lines...I started with front brakes..anybody help me out? What's my problem?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
Fill the reservoir, open bleeder and let sit for a while to gravity feed into container, some leave over night.
OR....Fill, very slowly work the lever and watch for bubbles rising, keep master cylinder level also, it takes a while sometimes and patients.
Or use a bottom bleeder that will pump the fluid from caliper to master.
OR....Fill, very slowly work the lever and watch for bubbles rising, keep master cylinder level also, it takes a while sometimes and patients.
Or use a bottom bleeder that will pump the fluid from caliper to master.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
On mine (when I added a dual front brake system) I just cracked the bleeder on each caliper till brake fluid came out then taped the brake leaver 1/2 way back and left it over night to let all the small bubbles bleed out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Just like a car with power drum brakes. Just do one side at a time. And start with the side that is the farthest away. You wan to make sure to get all the air out.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: East McKeesport,Pennsylvania
Trending Topics
Yes.
In fact, you'll have to.
In fact, you'll have to.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
What Omaha said! Most definitely YES. And while bleeding them make sure to keep the master cylinder toppped off. If it goes dry, you are introducing air back into the system and you will have to bleed them all over again.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I don't put the reservoir cap on while bleeding, the front usually needs a top up part way through. Up front do the left caliper first, as that has the easiest run from caliper to master cylinder.
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