Replacing brake pads on 2012 Street Glide with ABS

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Nov 18, 2015 | 04:58 AM

#11

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

If the brake fluid has been changed or topped up at any time recently, then installing new pads may require reducing fluid level in the reservoir.

Nov 18, 2015 | 07:53 AM

#12

TheGrandPoohBah

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Joined: Jun 2011

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From: Mountain Top, Alabama

Do not let calipers hang by the hose.
Use a piece of wire, rest on rotors, whatever, just take care of the hoses!

Nov 18, 2015 | 11:27 AM

#13

mrjoeo

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Orlando, Fl

Don't open the reservoir unless you REALLY have to.

Nov 18, 2015 | 06:29 PM

#14

VTwinJaxFL

Thread Starter

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From:

Thanks for all the advice, not opening the master cylinder fluid reservoir is what I will try. Thanks for the advice on the rear caliper too.

Nov 18, 2015 | 06:35 PM

#15

SgtMic

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: WA State

Bleeding ABS on these newer bikes requires a trip to the dealer. The ABS block has some proprietary newfangleness. My '09 had to go in.

Nov 18, 2015 | 06:59 PM

#16

Keithhu

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Joined: Sep 2009

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From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtMic

Bleeding ABS on these newer bikes requires a trip to the dealer. The ABS block has some proprietary newfangleness. My '09 had to go in.

Thanks for this, which has nothing to do with changing brake pads.

Nov 18, 2015 | 07:23 PM

#17

SgtMic

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Joined: Apr 2009

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From: WA State

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwaxley

If I were going to Change the fluid I would simply suck the old fluid out was a cooking baister and refill. Then bleed at the clapper until the fluid is clean, making sure not to let air in the system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Thanks for this, which has nothing to do with changing brake pads.

As you'll see in the first quote, my statement is relevant.

Next time I want your opinion, I'll give it to you.

Nov 18, 2015 | 08:18 PM

#18

Gwaxley

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Joined: Jun 2014

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From: Lafayette La

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtMic

Bleeding ABS on these newer bikes requires a trip to the dealer. The ABS block has some proprietary newfangleness. My '09 had to go in.

If your silly enough to open the hyd system or let the master cylinder run dry as you bleeding the system you will need a vacuum pump to ensure all of the air is removed for the system, as the manual states.

But you can pump fresh fluid through the system all you want or need as long as you do not let air enter., as the manual states. Pay close attention to steps 4-9.

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Nov 19, 2015 | 04:53 AM

#19

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjoeo

Don't open the reservoir unless you REALLY have to.

We really have to every couple of years to flush through fresh fluid. As Gwaxley points out in his post that is simple enough. Not opening the reservoir may prevent the pistons being retracted enough to install the new pads, so just get stuck in and do it! This is not a black art and no demons will be awakened.....