Bleeding ABS brakes...anything different?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ont.
Bleeding ABS brakes...anything different?
Need to bleed the brakes on my '09 Ultra with ABS. Have bleed lots of brakes before didn't know with the ABS if there is anything special to do or not. Any info. would be appreciated!! Thanks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Depends on what part of the system you are bleeding.
I replaced the brake lines back to the ABS module and had to go to the dealer to get the ABS solenoid reset. They have to hook it up to their computer.
Just doing the fronts, you should be OK. If you're not, your ABS light will tell you.
I replaced the brake lines back to the ABS module and had to go to the dealer to get the ABS solenoid reset. They have to hook it up to their computer.
Just doing the fronts, you should be OK. If you're not, your ABS light will tell you.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
If you're not changing any part of the brake system (lines, master cylinders, etc.), then you bleed them like any other system, being very careful not to get any air into the system.
If you do get air into the system, you may have to have a dealer use what is called a digital technician to cycle the ABS system to remove any trapped air.
I've bled the brakes on my 2009 Ultra twice now and have not had any issues but I was careful not to introduce any air.
If you do get air into the system, you may have to have a dealer use what is called a digital technician to cycle the ABS system to remove any trapped air.
I've bled the brakes on my 2009 Ultra twice now and have not had any issues but I was careful not to introduce any air.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
On my BMW with ABS there was a 'correct' sequence for bleeding the various parts of the system. I wouldn't tackle yours without that info, if it applies! Good reason for getting a factory service manual, if you don't have one.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
If you're not changing any part of the brake system (lines, master cylinders, etc.), then you bleed them like any other system, being very careful not to get any air into the system.
If you do get air into the system, you may have to have a dealer use what is called a digital technician to cycle the ABS system to remove any trapped air.
I've bled the brakes on my 2009 Ultra twice now and have not had any issues but I was careful not to introduce any air.
If you do get air into the system, you may have to have a dealer use what is called a digital technician to cycle the ABS system to remove any trapped air.
I've bled the brakes on my 2009 Ultra twice now and have not had any issues but I was careful not to introduce any air.
I you replace the lines from the triple tree to the bars so you can install handle bars with a higher rise, can you just top it off and bleed them without having to go the digital technician route?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
I replaced the lines on my '08 a couple of years ago - the lines on newer bikes are the same. I asked the tech at the local dealer if they thought I needed to put the bike on digital technician to blead the ABS. They didn't even know what I was talking about.
I ended up bleading the brakes the old fashioned way and never had any problems. You can always give it a try (If you are just doing the front brakes.) and if you have problems you will still be able to ride it (slowly) to the dealer with just the back brakes.
I ended up bleading the brakes the old fashioned way and never had any problems. You can always give it a try (If you are just doing the front brakes.) and if you have problems you will still be able to ride it (slowly) to the dealer with just the back brakes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Or you can bleed it the normal way in your garage as best you can and then take it to the dealer for a ABS air purge/bleed.
lp
Last edited by lp; Apr 26, 2011 at 08:16 AM.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 1
After I replaced my upper line I filled the res and slowly hand pump the brake into a plastic bag. I then hooked it up at the abs unit and let it sit over night. The next day I then used the reverse bleed method that LP talked about. One or two small bubbles showed up in the res and I was done. Never had an issue after that. I do agree if you replacing the bottow half you will need to see the dealer.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Replaced the upper line with a +6" goodridge line from Johnny Vaughn when I did my apes. I used the syringe, with mixed results. Tried it several times, lever still felt like a sponge. I tried again yesterday using a mityvac on the caliper and got a ton of the air out, it now feels normal. I can't tell if it's as solid as before without checking it back to back with another bike though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
Helped a friend bleed his brakes on a 08 RK with ABS. No issues. I absolutely positively recommend buying speedbleeders. www.speedbleeder.com They are inexpensive and make bleeding brakes possible for anyone and the brakes feel perfect.