Howdy gang,

So, I recently rebuilt my rear brake caliper (04 XL883) and installed new pads. The problem I'm having is after re-installing everything, I cannot seem to get brake fluid to flow or pressure to build up in the line. I'm using a brake bleed kit (like a mityvac) and nothing is happening.

Would this indicate the master cylinder needs to be rebuilt/replaced?

Thanks for your help!

 

Yes. Usually if a caliper needs rebuilt, the master cylinder is in similar condition and is best rebuilt too. Usual problem is the brake fluid was left too long without being changed so corrosion and sludge form all through the system.

 

got it, thank you DingusDan!

 

takes a while to build pressure

 

thanks cvaria, appreciate the help. Something has just got to be up though, I pumped the hell out of it and not a drop of fluid showed. Maybe it is clogged with something? I think I'll get a master cylinder to replace it.

 

Did u just put a vacuum on it or did u work the pedal at the same time?

 

just put the vacuum on, should I pump the pedal at the same time?

 

I had to with mine. Just ease into the pedal and don't fully depress it. I put 15-20 vacuum on it and cycled the pedal slowly. Make sure u don't run it out of fluid

 

When you depress the pedal with the cover off and reservoir full of fluid do you see bubbles come up ?

 

If you pushed fluid back into the master cylinder when you compressed the caliper piston (before you rebuilt them), you may have damaged the master cylinder seals. From what I've read (over on xlforum), you should just open the bleed bolt and then compress the caliper piston.

John