Another Break Question
Another Break Question
So...my rear break switch went out on my 2004 1200R. I ran to HD and bought a new one, replaced it and all was working correctly. My brakes were a little soft so I decided to bleed them, and now I dont have any brakes and the brake light is not working.
I think I am bleeding them correctly, but not sure. I have search every thing I can think of and watched 2 or 3 videos, and still no brakes, peddle is very loose.
Any help would be great.
I think I am bleeding them correctly, but not sure. I have search every thing I can think of and watched 2 or 3 videos, and still no brakes, peddle is very loose.
Any help would be great.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,601
Likes: 4,041
From: San Diego, CA
Sounds like you did not bleed system correctly. Have someone hold the pedal down while you bleed, then close bleed screw, then release pedal. You probably sucked air into the system.
Mine took a couple bleeds to get the air bubble out, the way the switch installs on mine is from the top down, so a tiny air bubble results when you change it.
John
Mine took a couple bleeds to get the air bubble out, the way the switch installs on mine is from the top down, so a tiny air bubble results when you change it.
John
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
do you have anyone that can help you? easiest way i found is fill m/c and put cap back on, open bleeder, have assistant step on or pull lever and hold, then close bleeder and then have them release pedal/lever. do several times and you should see bubbles work out until a steady stream. keep eye on fluid, dont want to empty m/c as your bleeding or youll get even more air in the system. another thing you can do is leave cap off m/c, then open bleeder and let gravity go to work. once fluid starts coming thru bleeder, close bleeder, fill m/c and put top back on...then have your helper help finish the bleeding doing in the order i stated. sometimes it can get aggravating. i personally have had no issues doing it like this but have heard many that still couldnt get a good pedal/lever. you can get some speed bleeders or use some sort of vacuum. i havent had the need to do this though. good luck
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,601
Likes: 4,041
From: San Diego, CA
Yes, get someone to help do the pedal, and you work the bleed screw. Don't open the bleed screw unless the assistant has the pedal fully depressed. Sounds to me like you're just pumping and sucking air back in.
Have your assistant slowly pump the pedal a few times, then hold it down. You then quickly open the bleed screw slightly, let some fluid squirt out a bit, then close tight. Close screw while there is still some flow and you won't suck air back in.
After that, have your assistant release the pedal and do this process again until only clear fluid comes out. Make sure your reservoir has fluid before you start.
I have no idea why people make this so difficult, it is a really easy procedure if you have help at the pedal end. Done it this way for 40 years on every car or bike I've owned and never had a problem.
John
Have your assistant slowly pump the pedal a few times, then hold it down. You then quickly open the bleed screw slightly, let some fluid squirt out a bit, then close tight. Close screw while there is still some flow and you won't suck air back in.
After that, have your assistant release the pedal and do this process again until only clear fluid comes out. Make sure your reservoir has fluid before you start.
I have no idea why people make this so difficult, it is a really easy procedure if you have help at the pedal end. Done it this way for 40 years on every car or bike I've owned and never had a problem.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 30, 2013 at 01:16 PM.
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But when you get this frustrated you want to break them...
Anyway, it appears I have a master cylinder issue. I had a buddy come over and help, we removed the caliper to raise it as high as possible. Bled again until no bubbles came out. Put the pads and caliper back together and when pumping the peddle the caliper hardly moves, like its not moving enough fluid.
Anyway, it appears I have a master cylinder issue. I had a buddy come over and help, we removed the caliper to raise it as high as possible. Bled again until no bubbles came out. Put the pads and caliper back together and when pumping the peddle the caliper hardly moves, like its not moving enough fluid.