ABS question on bleeding
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 35
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From: pacific nw
ABS question on bleeding
I had rear brake switch recall done on 2011 ultra. Rear brake pedal is soft. Was going to bleed it myself (riding bud has tool). Was told if I do it that it will throw a code.. Let dealer do it under warranty??? Anyone know anything about abs throwing codes if you bleed them?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
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From: California
Go back to the dealer and have them test the ABS system. It sounds as though they did not do the job correctly. Had my done (09 UC) and the brakes are not soft. This is a warranty item. I would not fool with trying to do it myself....play if safe and have the dealer re-check the job. And, when they are done, the brakes should feel solid as they did before.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: New England
Fortunately, I had no "soft pedal" issues with my 2012 after the dealer did my brake switch recall...apparently others aren't so lucky.
I'd say give it a try if the dealer is not convenient for you.
Good luck!
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Colorado
My 09 SG had a problem when I put 12" bars on. That was my first run in with ABS. Took it to the dealer after many attempts to bleed my self with no luck. My mechanic there said he had to put it on the machine twice. I still love my ABS its saved me a 2 times in one day. Came around a corner and a tree was across the the road 2 more miles and coming over a hill and cows the road. I was glad I had them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
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From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Mine tuned out badly after the recall, too. I bled my front brake with a mityvac after swapping the line and did a better job than the dealer did on the rear.
I'm going to re-bleed my rear brake with the mityvac at some point to get it back to regular firmness.
If air gets in the abs unit itself it's usually easier to command all of the abs solenoids (using the digital technician tool) to help clear the trapped air during the bleed. That's why they say to bring it to the dealer. I would not attempt to conventionally bleed the brakes, but using a mityvac (or even better, a pressure bleeder) will get the job done.
I'm going to re-bleed my rear brake with the mityvac at some point to get it back to regular firmness.
If air gets in the abs unit itself it's usually easier to command all of the abs solenoids (using the digital technician tool) to help clear the trapped air during the bleed. That's why they say to bring it to the dealer. I would not attempt to conventionally bleed the brakes, but using a mityvac (or even better, a pressure bleeder) will get the job done.