Bleeding Brakes oh crap
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Bleeding Brakes oh crap
I am trying to get ready for the riding season, coming up on two years so decided to bleed the brakes. I could do the right front ok, only spilled a little Dot 4, but how does anyone without a helper do the left front on an 09 Ultra Classic with ABS?? There was no way I could depress the front brake lever and undo the bleed valve. Suggestions on solo??
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Lake Villa Illinois
Turn the bars all the way to the right, stand on the left of the bike. You should be able to bend/contort yourself into a position to reach the bleeder with your left hand whole your right hand works the lever.
You need to hook up a piece of clear tubing over the bleeder and have it go into a cup. that way you only need one hand on the bleeder.
Steve
You need to hook up a piece of clear tubing over the bleeder and have it go into a cup. that way you only need one hand on the bleeder.
Steve
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
I have a 2009 Ultra too and no helper. The way I got around it was to install Speed Bleeders. They replace the stock bleeders and have a one-way valve. All you have to do is attach a hose, open them about a quarter or half turn, and pump the brakes. Just ensure the fluid reservoir is kept full.
This is the second bike I've had with them and it makes bleeding the brakes so much easier.
I think I paid $15 for the stainless steel versions which would be a total of $45. Not real cheap, but I plan to keep the bike for a while and if I wanted I could even take them off and put them on another bike.
This is the second bike I've had with them and it makes bleeding the brakes so much easier.
I think I paid $15 for the stainless steel versions which would be a total of $45. Not real cheap, but I plan to keep the bike for a while and if I wanted I could even take them off and put them on another bike.
Ok. First off, You always bleed the caliper furthest from the brake res. first. What you do is after you pump the brake lever several times(10-15), wrap a coated wire around it or string or tiny bungee cord around it to keep the lever depressed and repeat...
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Lake Villa Illinois
Steve
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I use a vacuum bleeder to replace all the fluid, then pump the levers and make sure there is no air in the lines
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
Several ways to do it, some of them already mentioned, like the bungee, trip to the part store for a bleeder hose. Also you can take an old bottle (like the brake fluid came in) and just put a ounce or so of fluid in it and place a hose from the fitting into the bottle (making sure the end is under the fluid) and just open the fitting slightly, pull the lever until no more air is seen in the hose, and then tighten the fitting. As long as there is no air in the hose, and the end is in the fluid, no air can return to the line, so you just walk back around and tighten.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
Go to harbor freight and buy the kit for $4. It comes with a small bottle and magnet and tubing. Attach the magnet and bottle to the caliper and the hose inside is submerged in the fluid so no air will come back up. Works great.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
I use a syringe with tubing over the "needle" end on the bleeder. I pull the fluid out of the bleeder instead of pushing by pumping the brake level. Works like a champ and you do a brake flush at the same time. The syringe I have is too small - it's for giving pets medicine so I need to get a bigger one. It doesn't have a needle, just a plastic "spout". No need to install the brake master cylinder cover, pump, remove the cover, etc, you just leave the cover off and pull the fluid through. Works for me anyway...
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 14
From: Mount Airy, MD
I have a 2009 Ultra too and no helper. The way I got around it was to install Speed Bleeders. They replace the stock bleeders and have a one-way valve. All you have to do is attach a hose, open them about a quarter or half turn, and pump the brakes. Just ensure the fluid reservoir is kept full.
This is the second bike I've had with them and it makes bleeding the brakes so much easier.
I think I paid $15 for the stainless steel versions which would be a total of $45. Not real cheap, but I plan to keep the bike for a while and if I wanted I could even take them off and put them on another bike.
This is the second bike I've had with them and it makes bleeding the brakes so much easier.
I think I paid $15 for the stainless steel versions which would be a total of $45. Not real cheap, but I plan to keep the bike for a while and if I wanted I could even take them off and put them on another bike.
Part numbers can be found at: http://www.speedbleeder.com/Motorcycle%20Sizes.htm
For the 08 & Up Ultra Classic Electra Glides the part numbers are:
Front & Rears: SB8125L
Last edited by wlibert; Apr 19, 2011 at 01:10 PM.