Ape install progress
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 418
From: Pennsylvania
Ape install progress
Installed the new clutch cable tonite. All pretty straight forward, just a pain in the *** having to remove the exhaust system.
The service manual leaves out all kinds of nifty details that I guess a more experienced mechanic would just know.
Like for instance, after I got the clutch release cover off the transmission, I discovered that I had to make an emergency run to home depot (got there 10 minutes before they closed) to get a pair of snap ring pliers in order to get the
retaining ring out.
All that's left now is installing the new brake line and bleeding it and I'm done.
Any tips on that particular pain in the ***? This will be my first time for this as well.
The service manual leaves out all kinds of nifty details that I guess a more experienced mechanic would just know.
Like for instance, after I got the clutch release cover off the transmission, I discovered that I had to make an emergency run to home depot (got there 10 minutes before they closed) to get a pair of snap ring pliers in order to get the
retaining ring out.
All that's left now is installing the new brake line and bleeding it and I'm done.
Any tips on that particular pain in the ***? This will be my first time for this as well.
Last edited by chunks; Aug 12, 2010 at 10:32 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
With my stock bars, I had no problem squeezing the lever and reaching the bleed-off nipple when I replaced the caliper and brakeline.
Depending how high your apes are, you might need a drinking buddy to either do the bleed duty or the squeeze.
I used a clear rubber hose for a fish aquarium pump, attached to the bleed valve and curved into a jar with brake fluid just enough to cover the hose end. That helps keep air from traveling back up while bleeding it off. You might need to tape the hose to the jar lip so it won't come out during the job.
Pump the lever until you get strong resistance and then while holding pressure, open the bleed valve. Once the lever travels to the grip, (don't release the lever yet), close the bleeder valve. Rinse and repeat until no air bubbles come out when you open the valve.
P.S. Keep an eye on the fluid level and keep it near the top.
Depending how high your apes are, you might need a drinking buddy to either do the bleed duty or the squeeze.
I used a clear rubber hose for a fish aquarium pump, attached to the bleed valve and curved into a jar with brake fluid just enough to cover the hose end. That helps keep air from traveling back up while bleeding it off. You might need to tape the hose to the jar lip so it won't come out during the job.
Pump the lever until you get strong resistance and then while holding pressure, open the bleed valve. Once the lever travels to the grip, (don't release the lever yet), close the bleeder valve. Rinse and repeat until no air bubbles come out when you open the valve.
P.S. Keep an eye on the fluid level and keep it near the top.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 12
I tried to get mine bled for 2 hours. and couldn't get it, so I gave up for the night. When I went out in the morning it pumped right up. I don't know if I almost had it, or if overnight some air migrated up the line to the reservoir.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
When I installed a new brake line on my Sportster...
I filled the reservoir....
put a big rubber band on the brake lever....
put a tube on the bleed valve..into a jar..opened up the valve and then let it sit for a few hours... checked on it every so often and added fluid as necessary...
eventualy I saw fluid in the jar and then closed the valve...
I then did the pull...loosen...tighten..etc... and I was done
CC
I filled the reservoir....
put a big rubber band on the brake lever....
put a tube on the bleed valve..into a jar..opened up the valve and then let it sit for a few hours... checked on it every so often and added fluid as necessary...
eventualy I saw fluid in the jar and then closed the valve...
I then did the pull...loosen...tighten..etc... and I was done
CC
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 7
From: kansas city,mo
i borrowed one of these (different brand) from a buddie and bleeding my front line took literally less than 5 minutes...hookes it up to my compressor and walla! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pneum...motiveQ5fTools
Last edited by BLKnCHRME09Deluxe; Aug 13, 2010 at 01:14 PM.
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 Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 418
From: Pennsylvania
So what exactly is the "pull...loosen...tighten..etc..."?
Remember, I'm a newb at this....
Remember, I'm a newb at this....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
sorry....
after I saw fluid in the jar I closed the valve..
then I bled the brakes the conventional way
pulled the clutch handle opened the valve...closed the valve...released the clutch handle... then repeat as necessary...
CC
after I saw fluid in the jar I closed the valve..
then I bled the brakes the conventional way
pulled the clutch handle opened the valve...closed the valve...released the clutch handle... then repeat as necessary...
CC