ABS brake bleeding
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 246
From: Columbia SC
Not sure. I just bought the bike. The previous owner had it for about 10 years but had not ridden it much for several years due to health issues. I guess he hadn't flushed the system during that time, if ever. The bike has 16,000 miles on it so unlikely it has needed new brake pads.
Can I just bleed the front brakes as normal to address my issue, or does the ABS system require special tools if I need to eliminate air in the system?
Can I just bleed the front brakes as normal to address my issue, or does the ABS system require special tools if I need to eliminate air in the system?
If air was introduced into the system, then you are not looking to flush the fluid, you are looking to bleed air from the brake system, ABS needs to be activated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,058
Likes: 5,316
As far as Rushmore year touring bikes shop manual if your just flushing and replacing brake fluid you do it like you always have.
If air was introduced into the system, then you are not looking to flush the fluid, you are looking to bleed air from the brake system, ABS needs to be activated.
If air was introduced into the system, then you are not looking to flush the fluid, you are looking to bleed air from the brake system, ABS needs to be activated.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Rather typical of dirty calipers where the pads stick on the rods, and the caliper pistons are sticking to the seals. Everything is being held back a little, resulting in excessive take-up play.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Jacksonville, Fl
Thanks to all for the input. I haven't had a "new" bike in decades so I'm getting caught up on the tech.
I will call the HD dealer tomorrow and get an appointment to flush and check the system.
I will call the HD dealer tomorrow and get an appointment to flush and check the system.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 246
From: Columbia SC
As much as I want to agree with you about flushing/replacing brake fluid on our Rushmore ABS bikes without activating the ABS system, or any ABS bike for that matter, that all changed with the 2018 service manuals. They added a step that includes using the DTII. Whether or not that step is included in newer printings of the service manuals (that step is not in my manual from 2014), I can't say, but I have had a change of heart when it comes to my ABS equipped '14 Limited. I was once a staunch advocate of replacing brake fluid in my bike without activating the ABS, but I'm not any longer. FWIW, I did fill out and send in the service manual Reader Comments page from the service manual pointing out the omission, but I haven't received a reply. I really don't expect to hear back, though. Anyway, I just thought I'd pass along the information.
For me, I stick to the manual as there is no reason in my mind to activate ABS even though the new M8 bikes say too.
Countless never ending theories and posts on why someone should, but not for me, gosh why ever get on a bike.
If there was an issue with Rushmore bikes or ANY HD bike, there would have been a recall.
AS far as the recall on SOME pre Rushmore bikes, it was because of ONE reported minor injury PLUS other non injury reports of brake failure.
SO with the Federal Government and HD not admitting to a defect they decided to do a FREE brake fluid flush, because as best I know, in every instance, any case involving a non injury failure and the one case of a minor injury the people never changed their brake fluid. NOT ONE part needed to be replaced on the recall.
If there was an actual defect it would have had to be replaced but there was (in theory) a part in there that would corrode if people did not follow the simple maintenance schedule.
So for me, I dont need to read anything "between the lines"
The facts are from the Federal Governement and HD. No brake defects in Rushmore bikes (or any bike) and the maintenance manual stays the same for ALL HD bikes Pre 2017.
Last edited by alarmdoug; Jul 21, 2019 at 07:52 AM.
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