Sorry if this issue has been done before, I bought some Russell sped bleeders for my 2001 FLSTCI. Got new DOT 5 silicone brake fluid from the dealership. Needed to change the brake pads on the rear so I figured I would bleed the fronts first. Good thing, the brake fluid was a yellow/ brown color. Bled the front until I had no air and the lite purple colol of the new fluid through the whole system. Now I'm starting to feel a bit addled. I have no resistance in the lever. It's totally squishy. I'm not sure were I went wrong, but I've done brakes on this bike before and not encountered this problem. WTF! Any suggestions that will help would be much appreciated. I'm starting to think I should have left the old bleeders in.

 

Try putting your old bleeders back in and re-bleed your brakes. Lever return to normal?

 

Madduc, did as you suggested, reinstalled the old bleeder and re-bled the brakes. Got back some of the brake feel but it still feels mushy compared to before I did anything. Maybe I'll try bleeding it some more later or tomorrow when I have more time. I've run just about a whole bottle of fresh fluid through it.

 

Not to be a smart *** but what type brake fluid is stamped on your reservoir cover? DOT5 might be the wrong type.

 

Here...Save this somewhere you can reference it in the future

2018 Listing

 

I'd try having someone pump the lever a few times then hold it in....crack the bleeder open then tighten it back up....release the lever an pump an see if it changed. I used a mini vac last time I changed fluid.

 

Another odd "trick" to try....take your brake lever and get sort of pissy with it, basically slap it on and off several times. Then take a zip tie, shoe string,etc... and hold the lever back to the grip/bar. Leave it on over night. See what morning brings.

 

I had to do this the last time I flushed my front brakes on my '94. I'd never had this trouble before, but last year I couldn't get a firm lever no matter what. I used a couple of BIG rubber bands to hold the brake lever down overnight. By morning the lever was nice and firm. Apparently a small air bubble got trapped somewhere.

 

 

Pressure bleeder via Motive Power

OR

Mighty Vac vacuum bleed


I have not used my Motive Power pressure bleeder on a Harley yet, but on cars it is THE way to go. I think the Mighty Vac is probably a "better" way to go on a bike as its more controllable.