Question about bleeding brakes
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Question about bleeding brakes
Hi,
Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered - I could not find an exact answer.
If I change out the front (and back) calipers and change to braided brake lines on my ABS equipped 2012 RKC can the brakes be bled by the conventional method or does the digital tech (or whatever it is) have to be used?
Thanks
Please forgive me if this has been asked and answered - I could not find an exact answer.
If I change out the front (and back) calipers and change to braided brake lines on my ABS equipped 2012 RKC can the brakes be bled by the conventional method or does the digital tech (or whatever it is) have to be used?
Thanks
Novice
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
I have bled both front and rear brakes on a couple different bikes in the past with ABS, with out a digital tech. One item I swear by is Speed Bleeders. They make one man brake bleeding a breeze. Just keep an eye on fluid level in master cylinders and bleed as you would normally do. One must is to NOT power up the bike until you are completely done. Powering up will cycle the ABS module and can trap air in it and then you will need the digital tech to remove that air. This has worked for me couple times with no problems. good luck
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
As long as you dont turn the ignition on you should be fine.
I you this Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder from Harbor Frieght. Its cheap and works perfectly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-f...der-92924.html
I you this Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder from Harbor Frieght. Its cheap and works perfectly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-f...der-92924.html
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 488
Likes: 25
From: Orlando, FL
As long as you dont turn the ignition on you should be fine.
I you this Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder from Harbor Frieght. Its cheap and works perfectly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-f...der-92924.html
I you this Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder from Harbor Frieght. Its cheap and works perfectly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-f...der-92924.html
As long as you don't turn on the ignition and cycle the ABS system, you will be fine. Use a mighty vac or something similar. Remember to put teflon tape on the bleeder screw threads first otherwise you will be pumping forever and never bleed the brakes. With teflon tape you are done in less than a minute per caliper.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
As long as you don't turn on the ignition and cycle the ABS system, you will be fine. Use a mighty vac or something similar. Remember to put teflon tape on the bleeder screw threads first otherwise you will be pumping forever and never bleed the brakes. With teflon tape you are done in less than a minute per caliper.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
I'm a big fan of the speed bleeders. Bought mine at Auto Zone if memory serves. SB's makes brake fluid changes ridiculously easy with one person. If you have ABS be careful not to cycle the ignition until you're done. Doing so can trap air in the system and require the use of a digital technician at the dealership.
Very easy and quick job with the speed bleeders. You probably already know this, but be careful not to spill brake fluid on painted surfaces to avoid paint damage. Several videos are available on youtube showing many different brake bleeding methods.
Very easy and quick job with the speed bleeders. You probably already know this, but be careful not to spill brake fluid on painted surfaces to avoid paint damage. Several videos are available on youtube showing many different brake bleeding methods.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Italy
I replaced mine when I did my bars. I saved the money and did it old school. I filled up the reservoir and walked away, a couple hours before bed I topped it off and let gravity do its thing. The next day, had the wife squeeze the lever and help me bleed them. Result - stiffer than factory! Then I just stopped by the stealers hip and had them clear the code.
IMO, the fancy tools work well for a car since the lines are so long, not worth it in the bike.
IMO, the fancy tools work well for a car since the lines are so long, not worth it in the bike.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I'm a big fan of the speed bleeders. Bought mine at Auto Zone if memory serves. SB's makes brake fluid changes ridiculously easy with one person. If you have ABS be careful not to cycle the ignition until you're done. Doing so can trap air in the system and require the use of a digital technician at the dealership.
Very easy and quick job with the speed bleeders. You probably already know this, but be careful not to spill brake fluid on painted surfaces to avoid paint damage. Several videos are available on youtube showing many different brake bleeding methods.
Very easy and quick job with the speed bleeders. You probably already know this, but be careful not to spill brake fluid on painted surfaces to avoid paint damage. Several videos are available on youtube showing many different brake bleeding methods.
But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.....
