Reverse Flush / Clutch Fluid Change
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,765
From: Omaha,NE
Reverse Flush / Clutch Fluid Change
I subscribe to Delboy's Garage channel on YouTube, and this very recent video hit my feed. I have always done it this way, but thought this could be useful for others. Note that you will likely need to remove some exhaust mountings and loosen the header bolts at the heads and swing the exhaust out slightly to get the cover off of the clutch slave access. He didn't have to on his bike, but for most, you will.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 2,235
From: College Station, TX
When I flushed the clutch fluid late this summer, I did it the old fashioned way removing the old fluid from the master cylinder, refilling it with fresh fluid and then bleeding from the slave cylinder until the fluid was clear. I was always concerned about pushing old / bad fluid from the heat near the slave cylinder through the master cylinder by reverse flushing. So is my concern misplaced? And is this a better procedure for getting more old fluid out of the system?
I've seen several videos where people use a vacuum pump to pull fluid down from the master cylinder. That seems to work fine, but I had no problem using the clutch lever.
I was not able to remove the cover, but was able to move it enough to access the bleeder to complete the work.
Paul
I've seen several videos where people use a vacuum pump to pull fluid down from the master cylinder. That seems to work fine, but I had no problem using the clutch lever.
I was not able to remove the cover, but was able to move it enough to access the bleeder to complete the work.
Paul
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 486
From: Nor Cal
When I flushed the clutch fluid late this summer, I did it the old fashioned way removing the old fluid from the master cylinder, refilling it with fresh fluid and then bleeding from the slave cylinder until the fluid was clear. I was always concerned about pushing old / bad fluid from the heat near the slave cylinder through the master cylinder by reverse flushing. So is my concern misplaced? And is this a better procedure for getting more old fluid out of the system?
I've seen several videos where people use a vacuum pump to pull fluid down from the master cylinder. That seems to work fine, but I had no problem using the clutch lever.
I was not able to remove the cover, but was able to move it enough to access the bleeder to complete the work.
Paul
I've seen several videos where people use a vacuum pump to pull fluid down from the master cylinder. That seems to work fine, but I had no problem using the clutch lever.
I was not able to remove the cover, but was able to move it enough to access the bleeder to complete the work.
Paul
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,765
From: Omaha,NE
This.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 2,235
From: College Station, TX
Paul
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 2,089
From: Massachusetts
This, and add a speed bleeder, and done in 5 minutes.
No air, no crap in the master cylinder and no brake fluid possibly on the paint. Way to much over thinking.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,004
From: Charleston, SC
Reverse bleeding has it usefulness - it's not for everyday bleeding really. Usually great when you replace a line (for taller bars etc) and the system is completely dry and full of air.
In that case (sometimes) you can pump and pump all day long and never get all the air out. Reverse bleeding ensures you chase all the air out because the bubbles rise. Really not hard.
Bottom-line, use whatever method works for you.
In that case (sometimes) you can pump and pump all day long and never get all the air out. Reverse bleeding ensures you chase all the air out because the bubbles rise. Really not hard.
Bottom-line, use whatever method works for you.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Reverse bleeding has it usefulness - it's not for everyday bleeding really. Usually great when you replace a line (for taller bars etc) and the system is completely dry and full of air.
In that case (sometimes) you can pump and pump all day long and never get all the air out. Reverse bleeding ensures you chase all the air out because the bubbles rise. Really not hard.
Bottom-line, use whatever method works for you.
In that case (sometimes) you can pump and pump all day long and never get all the air out. Reverse bleeding ensures you chase all the air out because the bubbles rise. Really not hard.
Bottom-line, use whatever method works for you.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 866
Likes: 248
From: N.Y.C
I bought that MiteyVac and it was an absolute disaster mainly due to the poor quality fittings supplied.