Draining Brake Fluid

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May 22, 2009 | 01:28 PM

tencrore

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From: Livermore, CA

Draining Brake Fluid

I am in the process of changing the front brake cables to the "diamondback" braided style and would like to know how to completely drain the front brakes of brake fluid.

I am thinking I would need some sort of tubing to go over the bleeders so that the brake fluid can drain into a container. If so, can anyone specify the type/size of tubing needed?

Thanks in advance for your help.

May 22, 2009 | 01:29 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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From: SoCal

Clear tubing. I don't know the size. Go to an auto parts store and ask them. They should know. It's cheap as can be.

May 22, 2009 | 01:38 PM

Taterdog

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From: Lenexa, KS (KC)

Not sure what kind of brake fluid you're using, but don't get any on your paint.

May 22, 2009 | 01:39 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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From: SoCal

Good point. If it is dot 3 or 4 it will eat the paint away. Cover all; painted parts with thick blankets.

May 22, 2009 | 04:16 PM

dawg

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From: Vermont

1/2" clear plastic tubing. Slide it over the bleeder valve, open bleeder and pump the fluid out. Put some cloths all around the master cylinder before taking the banjo off at the master. This will soak what little drips may come out of the master after you have pumped it out the bleeder.

May 22, 2009 | 04:54 PM

Black Flag

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From: Central Arizona

and don't forget new brass crush washers for those banjo bolts. They are sacrificial parts; not meant to be re-used. An ounce of prevention, ya know...

May 22, 2009 | 04:57 PM

RHillbilly

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From: greenwood, mo

I use a big turkey injecting syringe you just suck it right out no mess

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May 23, 2009 | 04:00 AM

emwolb

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From: eastern oklahoma

at lowes or home depot you can get the clear vinyl tubing priced per foot. cheap, and it's nice cause you can see the fluid as you're draining it. lots of available sizes, but i'd think closer to 3/16" i.d. measure your bleed nipples. then get just a tad smaller tubing so it'll slip on, but sorta tight so it doesn't leak. just my opinion. hope it helps.