How to Bleed ABS at home
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Removing the calipers from the forks does not require bleeding the brake system as long as you do not remove the brake line. You can put rags around the calipers and tie wrap them back onto the frame.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,094
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From: SE Wisconsin
That's what I was hoping to hear.
Supporter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Bella Vista, AR
"After bleeding the brake system on ABS equipped motor-cycles, confirm that the brake lines are properly connected if either the ABS module or more than one brake line was removed. To accomplish this, install master cylinder reservoir cover, connect motorcycle to DIGITAL TECHNICIAN ll and perform "ABS Service" procedure in the "Toolbox" menu."
Key words being "if" and "or". Based on that and what the service dept. told me at my dealer, I'm going to give it a shot myself and see what happens. Worst case I'll have to have the dealer put it on the DT for $80.00. What's that work out to per hour if it only takes 30 seconds? I'm in the wrong line of work for sure. I know, I know, gotta pay for the Digital Tech....not paying for what they do.... paying for what they know.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Riverside, TX
I had to replace a copper washer where the brake line met one of the front calipers (it was leaking). I bled it like I would do a normal brake job....I never had the abs line come on, brakes aren't spongy and it feels like it should!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
i replaced my front brake line and the line from the abs module. all i did was flick the front brake handle for awhile and everything worked fine no problems at all. i have cyclesmith 16 in. apes and i used a + 10 clutch cable worked out great.
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Cruiser
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From: Southington, OH
TL
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Just did this 10 days ago.
I replaced the entire front brake line with a H-D modular Diamondback line (from master cylinder to calipers). Bled it just like I would have with a regular bike. I've ridden around 1,500 miles since then, and the brake is a little spongy, but not bad. The ABS light doesn't come on, and the bike stops just fine.
The issue is getting all the air out of the ABS controller under the seat. I'm willing to bet that any air in the controller or lines has migrated to either the master cylinder or the calipers at this point, and that a standard bleed would cure the sponginess in the lever.
The local dealer tells me it's a 45 minute or so job to bleed the brakes with the Digital Technician. I think I'll try a standard bleed first.
I replaced the entire front brake line with a H-D modular Diamondback line (from master cylinder to calipers). Bled it just like I would have with a regular bike. I've ridden around 1,500 miles since then, and the brake is a little spongy, but not bad. The ABS light doesn't come on, and the bike stops just fine.
The issue is getting all the air out of the ABS controller under the seat. I'm willing to bet that any air in the controller or lines has migrated to either the master cylinder or the calipers at this point, and that a standard bleed would cure the sponginess in the lever.
The local dealer tells me it's a 45 minute or so job to bleed the brakes with the Digital Technician. I think I'll try a standard bleed first.