ABS brake bleeding at home
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
I have noticed when I brake, like on washboard, the ABS activates.
You know, going slow, downhill.
Then, I just flush as normal. If it looks like water in the fluid or I
think it is dirty, I'll do it again.
This is on my '16 Street Glide.
I haven't tried it on my '18 Ultra, but I don't see why it won't work.
This seems to work for me.
I could take the bike to a dealer; I choose not to.
Last edited by not a sock; Jul 15, 2020 at 07:38 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Forgot to mention, when rear braking and after getting up to speed, I put the bike in neutral to remove all the drive train backlash and noise. This makes for a calm abs braking experience
Regarding the abs tools, "part of me" thinks theirs too much of a stress like test. Given the high rate of speed at which the valves are exercised, combined with the duration at which the valves are exercised, could produce an unnecessary failure. Maybe the stress test does detect a weaker abs system that could fail. However, real world abs braking requires only a very small fraction of what those tools do. It reminds me of revving the engine for 10 secs at 10,000 rpm to ensure it wont blow up at 6000 rpms when the rev limiter hits for only a second or two.
Again, I have no idea... just doing what works for me...
Daytona Twin Tec Twin Scan II ABS Scan Tool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY8v...5qi98C6Zx2pyfm
Last edited by KumaRide; Jul 15, 2020 at 08:14 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 175
Likes: 98
From: Indiana
You can flush the ABS yourself using the ITM1 tool in under an hour. $190, or 1.2x a single HD visit.
Plus you have the satisfaction of doing it right yourself.
look here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ding-tool.html
Last edited by rozemab; Jul 16, 2020 at 11:54 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 870
Likes: 246
From: Transfer, PA
FWIW - The way I worded my original query is somewhat misleading because it is what I already do. I didn't want to present it as gospel, nor particularly recommend it to anyone, so I was essentially asking for someone to give me solid evidence as to why that wouldn't accomplish the same thing.
Last edited by caulk04; Jul 16, 2020 at 01:16 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 175
Likes: 98
From: Indiana
Do tell, danger how? I've no desire to buy a tool for $190 that I'll use, at best, once a year.
FWIW - The way I worded my original query is somewhat misleading because it is what I already do. I didn't want to present it as gospel, nor particularly recommend it to anyone, so I was essentially asking for someone to give me solid evidence as to why that wouldn't accomplish the same thing.
FWIW - The way I worded my original query is somewhat misleading because it is what I already do. I didn't want to present it as gospel, nor particularly recommend it to anyone, so I was essentially asking for someone to give me solid evidence as to why that wouldn't accomplish the same thing.
I do not disrespect your position. If you're comfortable with it, go for it. Like you said I would not recommend it to anyone else.
At one time you could buy different color brake fluid. I attempted to purge my BMW ABS system using the your method, and many others (injection, vacuum, combo) and I could never get a clear cross over to the new fluid color. I could only get the color exchange by following the factory steps of power bleeding using the ABS pump, and a few $s at my dealer.
I suspect the problem is in actual use (forcing the ABS pump to run why skidding), the ABS pump does not run long enough to purge the inner chambers.
During a factory bleed the pump runs for 15-20 secs, in series while operating the valves, for several cycles. It actually sucks almost all of the fluid out of the reservoirs.
I just wanted to share with you my experience. If it works for you, good.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 646
Likes: 86
From: Tampa FL
It is far more easier and way less expensive to eliminate the ABS system. I am sure I will hear how bad that idea is yet I have been riding for 30+ years many of which was long before ABS existed without any problems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,129
Likes: 12,690
From: South Carolina
Disabling the anti lock system could put you in a bad spot with insurance (or anyone else involved) if you are involved in an accident).
I`ve been riding 50 years (many decades before anti lock brakes on motorcycles was available), and I would not consider eliminating the AB system, not on a motorcycle, automobile, or truck.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jul 16, 2020 at 06:30 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 284
Likes: 24
From: Belfast, N. Ireland
abs
"I would not consider eliminating the AB system, not on a motorcycle, automobile, or truck"
yeah but what other abs you know of leaves you with NO brakes if the abs module fails
yeah but what other abs you know of leaves you with NO brakes if the abs module fails
Last edited by IrishHogtrotter; Jul 16, 2020 at 08:53 PM. Reason: missed type