Bleeding Front Brakes
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 11
From: Macon, GA
As I mentioned in my first email, I have a speed bleeder and used it. I also pumped the handle many many times with no effect. I tied off the handle and will see if that has any effect tomorrow. My next step will be to go back into the caliper, pull the pistons and pre-fill that area in fluid before I put them back in. I will also see if I can pre-fill the fluid channel before putting it back on the fork.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,532
From: Ohio
I'm with you. I would start at the master cylinder. Make sure fluid is pumping out of it first.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Bleed at the banjo fitting on the master cylinder. It's messy, and protect the paint, though if you're running silicone fluid, it won't blister the paint.
Easiest way is to pull the lever, and crack the banjo fitting. You'll hear the air escaping with a snap/crackle/pop sound. Close the fitting, release the lever. Repeat until no more air comes out. Then bleed the calipers in the normal manner.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 11
From: Macon, GA
In any case, I have run a couple of bottles of brake fluid through the lines with the speed bleeder until there are no bubbles at all. I believe that I removed all of the air in the line. Late this evening I found some fresh fluid leaking at the bottom of the caliper. I think that the problem might be there. I'll take it apart again tomorrow night and see if I can find the problem.
The only other thing that I can think of is the handle connection itself. I have not taken it apart to see how it connects to the reservoir and pumps the fluid. Maybe there is a disconnect there that prevents it from pumping properly.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I am a big fan of the Mity Vac, however, one must remain mindful of how much to pull thru at a time as to keep fluid in the reservoir.
Best wishes to the OP, I hope you find your brakes, no one should have to ride Flintstone style.
Best wishes to the OP, I hope you find your brakes, no one should have to ride Flintstone style.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
I too like my mity-vac, but these days I use a syringe and rubber tube.
Fill the syringe with fluid, attach to the caliper, open bleeder, push fluid and all air bubbles up to the master cylinder.
Quick, no pumping, no waiting, 100% bled every time.
Fill the syringe with fluid, attach to the caliper, open bleeder, push fluid and all air bubbles up to the master cylinder.
Quick, no pumping, no waiting, 100% bled every time.
