It ran dry, now what?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 695
Likes: 50
From: South Carolina
It ran dry, now what?
After using the search function, I am well aware that you are NOT supposed to let the master cylinder run dry. Well, I did. In the process of rebuilding my front end on my '12 FLS non-ABS and changed my mind about doing chrome calipers. Can I use one of the MityVac's to fill the system from the bottom up, or what other method should I do to refill the system. Luckily I only have to do the front.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
You can also just fill the master and bleed the brakes with the old method, pump up, hold, open bleeder, close bleeder, pump up, hold, open bleeder, close bleeder. Will take a few tries and it's wise to run a hose from the bleeder to a bottle to keep the mess down, and when it stops blowing bubbles you are done. This is the two person method.
Make sure to use dot 5 if your bike calls for it, it should say in the master cover.
I have a mity vac and speed bleeders because I need to swap my fluid a lot when doing road course work. I like the speed bleeders the best, they are easier to use. I sometimes have trouble getting the vacuum system to work properly.
Make sure to use dot 5 if your bike calls for it, it should say in the master cover.
I have a mity vac and speed bleeders because I need to swap my fluid a lot when doing road course work. I like the speed bleeders the best, they are easier to use. I sometimes have trouble getting the vacuum system to work properly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
I love my speed bleeders but when I replaced my master cylinder I couldn't get them to work properly. I had to put my old bleeder in and use my vacuum bleeder to get the system bled. They work great for changing fluid however.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I have a mighty vac but never use it for motorcycle brakes...reverse bleeding works much better. Use a NEW oil squirt can...never use one that has ever had oil in it...install a piece of hose to connect it to bleeder screw...put teflon tape on bleeder screw threads to prevent leakage during process. Fill can with brake fluid, pump until master is at correct level...close bleeder ..your done. Bubbles want to go up..all other methods are trying to force them down...Oh and it is a lot cheaper.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post