Need help!! Front brake bleeding
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Vermont
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 13
From: Broken Bow Oklahoma
I made a catch can out of a quart jar and use my old hand pump, so I don't have to remove the vacuum till I'm done. I flush the system once a year and it works great every time. If I had a non-ABS bike I would still do it every year because I love the way the lever feels with fresh fluid. Before I had the large catch jar I had the same problem, getting every last bubble out. I think it was because I had to remove the vacuum two or three times to get all the old fluid out. I always use synthetic fluid and after only a year the old fluid is starting to turn yellow, and the lever has a bit of fade.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
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From: Central Fl
Assuming you keep getting bubbles/lever soft? Get out what you can then use a small bungee or tape or whatever you have handy and tie the lever back to the grip as tight as you can. Let it sit over nite and any air in the line should work its way back up the line to the MC.
FPV
FPV
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 12
My problem is I’m not getting anything, no air bubbles in the master and no fluid at ether bleeders. All I did is replace the dual black stock brake line with a brand new harley braided brake line I bought from someone here and replaced the brake pads. I’ve spent at least 4hrs trying to bleed these.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 82
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From: Wasilla, AK
If you're pumping the brake lever and no fluid is coming out at the bleeder, then it sounds like you've got an air pocket up at the master cylinder. Are you using a vacuum system like the Mighty Vac? That should suck all of the air right out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Okay ... let's assume that everything functioned before the installation of the "used" braided line. Humor me and try this. Remove both lines from the calipers and let them hang. Remember that brake fluid will wreak havoc with any painted surfaces. Remove the top from the master cylinder. Fill the master cylinder. Let gravity go to work. The brake fluid will ( sooner or later ) start to drip. When that happens re-install the lines and remove the bleeder screws until fluid stars to drip. Remember to keep the fluid in the master topped off. In the event that the fluid does not I'd hazard a guess that either the braided line is bad ( kinked internally or frayed and causing blockage ) or possibly the master cylinder plunger is stuck/bottomed out. Patience. Patience. Patience. Good luck.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
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From: USA
My problem is I’m not getting anything, no air bubbles in the master and no fluid at ether bleeders. All I did is replace the dual black stock brake line with a brand new harley braided brake line I bought from someone here and replaced the brake pads. I’ve spent at least 4hrs trying to bleed these.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 12
Well guys I’m ****ing over it!!!!! I’ve spent at least 6-8hrs on just bleeding alone, reverse bleeding I can’t get the fluid up, I’ve tried to suck it down ,put the old line back on same problem ,I’ve never had issues like this! Only thing I can think of is to start replacing parts. I really appreciate all the advice, I’m just so stumped.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
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From: Vermont
Did you try Uncle Larry’s advice? Process of elimination...Let the cable hang down unhooked for awhile until the fluid comes out to verify it isn’t the cable. If that’s rule out, move onto the MC