advice on bleeding brakes
advice on bleeding brakes
Hey guys, I just put some new apes on the bike and I had to get all new brake lines. I have everything hooked up and working except that I feel like I have more squeeze then I used to on my front brake lever. That is I feel like its not as stiff as it used to be. I have bled it a few times and I am getting a steady stream. Anyone ever experience this? The brakes work fine and slow me down quickly I just feel like I have to pull more on the lever. I appreciate any guidance yall could lend me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
Might have some air still in the calliper. A buddy taught me this trick and it works pretty good, might want to give it a shot.
get a piece of hose to go over the bleeder valve, put the other end of the hose into a bottle with brake fluid in it. Open the brake fluid resivoir, Get a buddy to pull the brake lever in, then open the bleeder valve and watch the bubbles come up in the bottle. Tighten the valve and repeate as many times as needed until it becomes more firm or untill no bubbles come out anymore. After there are no more bubbles re-instal the resivoir cover and pump the lever a few times until it is firm.
Hope it helps.
get a piece of hose to go over the bleeder valve, put the other end of the hose into a bottle with brake fluid in it. Open the brake fluid resivoir, Get a buddy to pull the brake lever in, then open the bleeder valve and watch the bubbles come up in the bottle. Tighten the valve and repeate as many times as needed until it becomes more firm or untill no bubbles come out anymore. After there are no more bubbles re-instal the resivoir cover and pump the lever a few times until it is firm.
Hope it helps.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 45
From: Michigan
you can also put a piece of hose on the bleeder and crack it open and let it sit all night .. The system will eventually gravity bleed it self just dont open the bleed screws too far or it will empty it self too
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Lake Villa Illinois
There is a chance you have a small amount of air in the master cylinder. It's best to bleed the master first, then bleed the calipers.
You can bleed the master by applying the brake lever and cracking the banjo fitting slightly, you might get a small amount of air from it.
Steve
You can bleed the master by applying the brake lever and cracking the banjo fitting slightly, you might get a small amount of air from it.
Steve
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: New York
MotorSgt-
Next time, use an ez-bleeder. Its a big needle w/ a plunger you fill with brake fluid, connect hose from needle to bleeder, crack bleeder, and push plunger forcing fluid up to the master. I used it a few times recently, works great. Once master is full, usually a plung or two on each caliper, I then bleed conventionally. Usually only takes one turn on lever and bleeders conventionally and lever is firm. Pretty simple and fast.
Next time, use an ez-bleeder. Its a big needle w/ a plunger you fill with brake fluid, connect hose from needle to bleeder, crack bleeder, and push plunger forcing fluid up to the master. I used it a few times recently, works great. Once master is full, usually a plung or two on each caliper, I then bleed conventionally. Usually only takes one turn on lever and bleeders conventionally and lever is firm. Pretty simple and fast.
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I'd try re-setting your calipers, real simple and you will have good results.
Step 1, remove calipers (1 side ata time)
Step 2, Pump brakes untill the pads are closed
Step 3, open pads all the way up with a large screwdriver
Step 4. Put caliper back on bike
Step 5, repeat other side
Step 6, pump brakes up before test riding.
I do this quit often when customers complain about soft brakes. Works well
Step 1, remove calipers (1 side ata time)
Step 2, Pump brakes untill the pads are closed
Step 3, open pads all the way up with a large screwdriver
Step 4. Put caliper back on bike
Step 5, repeat other side
Step 6, pump brakes up before test riding.
I do this quit often when customers complain about soft brakes. Works well
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