Need help...front brake bleeding and new bleeder valve nut.
Need help...front brake bleeding and new bleeder valve nut.
He fellas,
I was bleeding my front brakes and doing it the old fashioned way...open valve, squeeze brake, close valve, release brake, repeat.
After about the 1 millionth time, the wrench slipped and i rounded off the bleeder valve screw. So, 2 questions:
1. does anyone know where to get a new bleeder valve screw and
2. does anyone know an easier way to bleed the front brake. Good thing I have all winter to do it right...lol.
I was bleeding my front brakes and doing it the old fashioned way...open valve, squeeze brake, close valve, release brake, repeat.
After about the 1 millionth time, the wrench slipped and i rounded off the bleeder valve screw. So, 2 questions:
1. does anyone know where to get a new bleeder valve screw and
2. does anyone know an easier way to bleed the front brake. Good thing I have all winter to do it right...lol.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
He fellas,
I was bleeding my front brakes and doing it the old fashioned way...open valve, squeeze brake, close valve, release brake, repeat.
After about the 1 millionth time, the wrench slipped and i rounded off the bleeder valve screw. So, 2 questions:
1. does anyone know where to get a new bleeder valve screw and
2. does anyone know an easier way to bleed the front brake. Good thing I have all winter to do it right...lol.
I was bleeding my front brakes and doing it the old fashioned way...open valve, squeeze brake, close valve, release brake, repeat.
After about the 1 millionth time, the wrench slipped and i rounded off the bleeder valve screw. So, 2 questions:
1. does anyone know where to get a new bleeder valve screw and
2. does anyone know an easier way to bleed the front brake. Good thing I have all winter to do it right...lol.
Since you're already in there, I would go to the dealer and get the chrome bleeder screws. Or any auto store should have them.
And do yourself the biggest favor you could imagine. Buy a vacuum bleeder. Attach it to the bleeder valve, loosen it, and start pumping the vacuum. When the fluid comes through, keep pumping till there are no more air bubbles, then tighten the bleeder valve. Easy as pie. Otherwise you'll be bleeding your brakes for days.
You can get them at Pep Boys or the like. About 30 bucks.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
+1 on the bleeder. On mine, I learned the hard way when doing it manually (no bleeder) pump the handle slowly to build up pressure. If you pump it hard and fast, it will never build up pressure. Just my .02 worth
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I had a helluva time bleeding the front breaks on both of my softails when I switched out the cables. Tried the gravity method which I found online somewhere and the vacuum method. Still couldn't get all the air of the line. Low break lever and spongy.
I finally resorted to a trick recommended by someone here. Here's how I remember it: Remove master cylinder cap, pull break lever back and secure in that position. Turn handlebars so the master cylinder side is higher than the other. Leave like that overnight. In the morning let break lever out and give it a single short squeeze to burp the line. You may see a bubble rise to the surface. I had to do this for about 3 nights to get all the air out. Even then the lever still didn't feel just right. After I rode it a few times I noticed it had hardened up real good.
I have no idea why I had such a hard time getting the air out. Hopefully, you'll have better luck.
I finally resorted to a trick recommended by someone here. Here's how I remember it: Remove master cylinder cap, pull break lever back and secure in that position. Turn handlebars so the master cylinder side is higher than the other. Leave like that overnight. In the morning let break lever out and give it a single short squeeze to burp the line. You may see a bubble rise to the surface. I had to do this for about 3 nights to get all the air out. Even then the lever still didn't feel just right. After I rode it a few times I noticed it had hardened up real good.
I have no idea why I had such a hard time getting the air out. Hopefully, you'll have better luck.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 932
Likes: 2
From: Pacific NorthWest Territory
Check out the Goodridge Speed Bleeders. This is a good time to replace it. You don't have to close them until the bubbles are out.
With DOT5, I didn't think I needed them for my RK. But now with a DOT4 bike, the fluid should be replaced every couple years, so I'm getting a set.
With DOT5, I didn't think I needed them for my RK. But now with a DOT4 bike, the fluid should be replaced every couple years, so I'm getting a set.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 890
Likes: 3
From: Central CT
Get one of them sucker bulbs that ya suck out a baby's nose with from the pharmacy and a piece of tubing that fits tight over the bleeder. Fill the bulb with fluid put the tubing over the bleeder and onto the bulb with the cover off up top open the bleeder and squeeze the bulb slowly pushing the fluid (and air) up to the top. Works fer me. Cost,, about 5 bucks... Good luck wid it.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 890
Likes: 3
From: Central CT
Get one of them sucker bulbs that ya suck out a baby's nose with from the pharmacy and a piece of tubing that fits tight over the bleeder. Fill the bulb with fluid put the tubing over the bleeder and onto the bulb with the cover off up top open the bleeder and holding it up above the bleeder pointing downward squeeze the bulb slowly pushing the fluid (and air) up to the top. Works fer me. Cost,, about 5 bucks... Good luck wid it.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: USA
Get one of them sucker bulbs that ya suck out a baby's nose with from the pharmacy and a piece of tubing that fits tight over the bleeder. Fill the bulb with fluid put the tubing over the bleeder and onto the bulb with the cover off up top open the bleeder and squeeze the bulb slowly pushing the fluid (and air) up to the top. Works fer me. Cost,, about 5 bucks... Good luck wid it.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
The two easiest ways to do it are
A) Get a set of Speed Bleeder valves. The work like a check valve. Partially loosen the
valve. And pump the brake. Retighten the valve, top off the resevoir and you're done.
Make sure you hae a tube attahed to the vave and container to catch the fluid.
B. Go the auto part store and get a vacuum pump kit. Attach the hose and catch
resevoir to the valve. Pump the vacuum tool, eay though mine will drrain the resevoir in
6-10 pumps. Same deal tighten the valve and top off the resevoir and your done.
Vacuum tool is something like this http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/p...s/?product=404
A) Get a set of Speed Bleeder valves. The work like a check valve. Partially loosen the
valve. And pump the brake. Retighten the valve, top off the resevoir and you're done.
Make sure you hae a tube attahed to the vave and container to catch the fluid.
B. Go the auto part store and get a vacuum pump kit. Attach the hose and catch
resevoir to the valve. Pump the vacuum tool, eay though mine will drrain the resevoir in
6-10 pumps. Same deal tighten the valve and top off the resevoir and your done.
Vacuum tool is something like this http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/p...s/?product=404