My Speed Bleeder experience
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I used a piece of nylon cord (trot line cord 300# test) instead of a bungee. Either would work. I found that I had to adjust the length of the cord as I was leveling the reservoir, so the cord gave me the adjustment capability to get it exactly level.
The main thing is to use something that is not going to fail to hold the bars snug. If the cord or bungee were to break with the front reservoir open and full or partially full of fluid, the bars would swing left and that damn fluid would go all over everything. So it's very important that when leveling that front reservoir, you use a cord that can be secure on both ends and has a zero chance of slipping or worse, breaking, during the bleed process.
I placed an additional layer of shop rags on the gas tank and tied the cord off to the right footboard. Since the angle from the left grip down to the right footboard was interrupted by the gas tank, the shop rags prevented the cord from chaffing the tanks finish as it draped across.
Watch out for the sharp edges on the underside of the rim of the footboard pan, they could possibly cut into the cord. Probably best to wrap a shop rag around the footboard pan and then tie the cord around the rag. That way there should be no problems.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
Just wanted to update my experience with Speed Bleeders..............
I ordered a set for my race truck and a set of stainless steel for my RoadGlide. Shipped right away and had my parts in a few days, but in my haste to order, I forgot to order the tubing to attach to the bleeders.
So I made another order online for the tubing/bag. The next day I recieve a email from paypal that SpeedBleederd refunded my shipping costs. It was my screw up but they shipped on their dime..............NOW THATS CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!
Thanks SpeedBleeders
I ordered a set for my race truck and a set of stainless steel for my RoadGlide. Shipped right away and had my parts in a few days, but in my haste to order, I forgot to order the tubing to attach to the bleeders.
So I made another order online for the tubing/bag. The next day I recieve a email from paypal that SpeedBleederd refunded my shipping costs. It was my screw up but they shipped on their dime..............NOW THATS CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!
Thanks SpeedBleeders
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
A couple of weeks ago, I installed Lyndall Z-Plus pads all the way around. I really like these pads so far. The bike is coming up on two years old, so I thought it a good time to replace the old brake fluid with some new DOT 4.
I ordered 3 of the stainless steel Speed Bleeders for my 2010 FLHTK. I also ordered the $3 bleeder assist hose. Since there are several companies that make speed bleeding devices, here is the outfit from which I ordered:
https://ssl.zoovy.com/c=ZwX0Uu9JSa0S...com/category//
I could have picked up some of this hose at a hardware store, maybe, but since I was ordering and since gas is expensive I went ahead and ordered it with my Speed Bleeders. It's nice and soft, about 3 feet long, easy to slip on and off the bleeder. It actually fits on the bleeder nipple very nicely. It's always best to have a good grip on the nipples.
In addition and just to check them out, I ordered a couple of the bags that have a short piece of the bleeder hose built-in. Don't waste your money on these. The hose is not made from the same material as the separate hose I ordered. It's also short, way too short. Its stiff and not pliable. The bags would actually be positioned upside down once installed on an HD Brembo nipple. Forget that music.
After jacking up the bike to a vertical position to get the rear reservoir level, I used a 3/8" socket to remove the stock bleeder nipple from the rear Brembo caliper. I used an 8 mm socket to install the new Speed Bleeder. I installed and bled the rear first. This went well. The fluid was the color of really yellow urine. Also a couple of little bubbles came out of the rear early in the bleeding process. I probably ran 3 reservoirs full of DOT 4 through the rear lines, shut off the Speed Bleeder, topped-off and buttoned up the rear reservoir. Rear complete.
I then moved to the front. First, I wanted to get my front reservoir level, so I tied a cord on the left grip and pulled it in enough to get a level reservoir. I tied it off in that position. I bled the right front first then the left front. No air bubbles came out and the fluid was only lightly yellow. Not nearly as dark as the rear. I ran about three reservoirs of fluid through each side. After completion, I topped off the reservoir and buttoned it up. Front done.
I used trash bags and shop rags on everything to keep that darn DOT 4 off the paint and other surfaces. All that went well.
I recommend these speed bleeders to anyone and everyone. Don't be worried about removing the stock nipples and getting air into your brakes. It's best to be prepared to follow through with the bleeding process immediately after you install the bleeders.
Hope my experience with Speed Bleeders has been helpful. I have no affiliation at all with this product or company. Just passing my experience with the product along to the forum. After a test ride, the brakes felt great. I believe the rear is better now than before the bleed.
I ordered 3 of the stainless steel Speed Bleeders for my 2010 FLHTK. I also ordered the $3 bleeder assist hose. Since there are several companies that make speed bleeding devices, here is the outfit from which I ordered:
https://ssl.zoovy.com/c=ZwX0Uu9JSa0S...com/category//
I could have picked up some of this hose at a hardware store, maybe, but since I was ordering and since gas is expensive I went ahead and ordered it with my Speed Bleeders. It's nice and soft, about 3 feet long, easy to slip on and off the bleeder. It actually fits on the bleeder nipple very nicely. It's always best to have a good grip on the nipples.
In addition and just to check them out, I ordered a couple of the bags that have a short piece of the bleeder hose built-in. Don't waste your money on these. The hose is not made from the same material as the separate hose I ordered. It's also short, way too short. Its stiff and not pliable. The bags would actually be positioned upside down once installed on an HD Brembo nipple. Forget that music.
After jacking up the bike to a vertical position to get the rear reservoir level, I used a 3/8" socket to remove the stock bleeder nipple from the rear Brembo caliper. I used an 8 mm socket to install the new Speed Bleeder. I installed and bled the rear first. This went well. The fluid was the color of really yellow urine. Also a couple of little bubbles came out of the rear early in the bleeding process. I probably ran 3 reservoirs full of DOT 4 through the rear lines, shut off the Speed Bleeder, topped-off and buttoned up the rear reservoir. Rear complete.
I then moved to the front. First, I wanted to get my front reservoir level, so I tied a cord on the left grip and pulled it in enough to get a level reservoir. I tied it off in that position. I bled the right front first then the left front. No air bubbles came out and the fluid was only lightly yellow. Not nearly as dark as the rear. I ran about three reservoirs of fluid through each side. After completion, I topped off the reservoir and buttoned it up. Front done.
I used trash bags and shop rags on everything to keep that darn DOT 4 off the paint and other surfaces. All that went well.
I recommend these speed bleeders to anyone and everyone. Don't be worried about removing the stock nipples and getting air into your brakes. It's best to be prepared to follow through with the bleeding process immediately after you install the bleeders.
Hope my experience with Speed Bleeders has been helpful. I have no affiliation at all with this product or company. Just passing my experience with the product along to the forum. After a test ride, the brakes felt great. I believe the rear is better now than before the bleed.
Thanks. They make a two man job into a one man job. Easy to install. The thing that I dreaded the most was managing that darn DOT 4 and keeping it off the paint. As it turned out it was not a big deal, just take it slow and careful and cover everything up with plastic sheeting and shop rags.
It helps to have a small syringe body to uptake small amounts of brake fluid from the container, then inject it slowly into the open reservoir. Don't try to pour this stuff from the bottle into the reservoir. That would certainly be risky.
It helps to have a small syringe body to uptake small amounts of brake fluid from the container, then inject it slowly into the open reservoir. Don't try to pour this stuff from the bottle into the reservoir. That would certainly be risky.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 2
From: Volusia County, FL
I first read this post when it was written and yesterday was my time to do my brake service on my 09 RG. Bought the 3 speed bleeders, hose and Lyndall Z+ pads.
Rear was a snap, even though getting the caliper off was a tight fit. Very little blake fluid came out. Bleed the brakes and it was yellowish color.
I did the front, but big brain fart, I took off the cover and then started to remove the left front stock bleedrs and dam, fluid came pouring out, but had rags and quickly instaled the speed bleeder. Then did the right and quickly put in the speed bleeder as fluid kept coming out.
I got a lesson in gravity
Overall, so easy to do, both the install ofthe pads and the bleeders, can not wait to do the next flush as the speed bleeders worked great.
Washed up the bike after it was all done.
Did a short ride yesterday and brakes were nice and smooth with no sponge feeling at all.
Highly recomended product. Thanks to the OP for posting this up.
Rear was a snap, even though getting the caliper off was a tight fit. Very little blake fluid came out. Bleed the brakes and it was yellowish color.
I did the front, but big brain fart, I took off the cover and then started to remove the left front stock bleedrs and dam, fluid came pouring out, but had rags and quickly instaled the speed bleeder. Then did the right and quickly put in the speed bleeder as fluid kept coming out.
I got a lesson in gravity
Overall, so easy to do, both the install ofthe pads and the bleeders, can not wait to do the next flush as the speed bleeders worked great.
Washed up the bike after it was all done.
Did a short ride yesterday and brakes were nice and smooth with no sponge feeling at all.
Highly recomended product. Thanks to the OP for posting this up.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
If I remember correctly the bleeders are longer than stock which I found unattractive . Unless you plan to keep the bike forever ( which most dont) your probably only flush fluid once if that so why spend the $ ? Dont get me wrong spend the money if you must, but why when bleeding brakes is not much harder than draining your lizard....just saying.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
If I remember correctly the bleeders are longer than stock which I found unattractive . Unless you plan to keep the bike forever ( which most dont) your probably only flush fluid once if that so why spend the $ ? Dont get me wrong spend the money if you must, but why when bleeding brakes is not much harder than draining your lizard....just saying.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 569
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 288
Just got my speed bleeders. Started with the rear. Unscrewed the OEM bleeder and installed the speedbleeder w/ 8mm socket. Put on the clear rubber hose and then backed off the bleeder 1/4 to 1/2 turn, per instructions. Uncapped the rear brake reservoir. Made sure I had my syringe and DOT 4 ready, and started pumping. After only 3-4 pumps, topped off reservoir, and started pumping again. However, fluid stopped coming out of the hose, and the brake pedal went all the way down, with no resistance. There is no way I could have gotten air in there, as the fluid level was near full the whole time, and I only got a little out before it stopped. I didn't see any bubbles the first couple of pumps, so I am stumped. I'm sure I'll have to take it into the dealer now. Any ideas what happened? I have a 2011 RKC w/ anti-lock brakes, if that makes a difference, but I did verify with Speedbleeders that I had the right part number. Thanks in advance for feedback.
TedMan
TedMan
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
A couple of weeks ago, I installed Lyndall Z-Plus pads all the way around. I really like these pads so far. The bike is coming up on two years old, so I thought it a good time to replace the old brake fluid with some new DOT 4.
I ordered 3 of the stainless steel Speed Bleeders for my 2010 FLHTK. I also ordered the $3 bleeder assist hose. Since there are several companies that make speed bleeding devices, here is the outfit from which I ordered:
https://ssl.zoovy.com/c=ZwX0Uu9JSa0S...com/category//
I could have picked up some of this hose at a hardware store, maybe, but since I was ordering and since gas is expensive I went ahead and ordered it with my Speed Bleeders. It's nice and soft, about 3 feet long, easy to slip on and off the bleeder. It actually fits on the bleeder nipple very nicely. It's always best to have a good grip on the nipples.
In addition and just to check them out, I ordered a couple of the bags that have a short piece of the bleeder hose built-in. Don't waste your money on these. The hose is not made from the same material as the separate hose I ordered. It's also short, way too short. Its stiff and not pliable. The bags would actually be positioned upside down once installed on an HD Brembo nipple. Forget that music.
After jacking up the bike to a vertical position to get the rear reservoir level, I used a 3/8" socket to remove the stock bleeder nipple from the rear Brembo caliper. I used an 8 mm socket to install the new Speed Bleeder. I installed and bled the rear first. This went well. The fluid was the color of really yellow urine. Also a couple of little bubbles came out of the rear early in the bleeding process. I probably ran 3 reservoirs full of DOT 4 through the rear lines, shut off the Speed Bleeder, topped-off and buttoned up the rear reservoir. Rear complete.
I then moved to the front. First, I wanted to get my front reservoir level, so I tied a cord on the left grip and pulled it in enough to get a level reservoir. I tied it off in that position. I bled the right front first then the left front. No air bubbles came out and the fluid was only lightly yellow. Not nearly as dark as the rear. I ran about three reservoirs of fluid through each side. After completion, I topped off the reservoir and buttoned it up. Front done.
I used trash bags and shop rags on everything to keep that darn DOT 4 off the paint and other surfaces. All that went well.
I recommend these speed bleeders to anyone and everyone. Don't be worried about removing the stock nipples and getting air into your brakes. It's best to be prepared to follow through with the bleeding process immediately after you install the bleeders.
Hope my experience with Speed Bleeders has been helpful. I have no affiliation at all with this product or company. Just passing my experience with the product along to the forum. After a test ride, the brakes felt great. I believe the rear is better now than before the bleed.
I ordered 3 of the stainless steel Speed Bleeders for my 2010 FLHTK. I also ordered the $3 bleeder assist hose. Since there are several companies that make speed bleeding devices, here is the outfit from which I ordered:
https://ssl.zoovy.com/c=ZwX0Uu9JSa0S...com/category//
I could have picked up some of this hose at a hardware store, maybe, but since I was ordering and since gas is expensive I went ahead and ordered it with my Speed Bleeders. It's nice and soft, about 3 feet long, easy to slip on and off the bleeder. It actually fits on the bleeder nipple very nicely. It's always best to have a good grip on the nipples.
In addition and just to check them out, I ordered a couple of the bags that have a short piece of the bleeder hose built-in. Don't waste your money on these. The hose is not made from the same material as the separate hose I ordered. It's also short, way too short. Its stiff and not pliable. The bags would actually be positioned upside down once installed on an HD Brembo nipple. Forget that music.
After jacking up the bike to a vertical position to get the rear reservoir level, I used a 3/8" socket to remove the stock bleeder nipple from the rear Brembo caliper. I used an 8 mm socket to install the new Speed Bleeder. I installed and bled the rear first. This went well. The fluid was the color of really yellow urine. Also a couple of little bubbles came out of the rear early in the bleeding process. I probably ran 3 reservoirs full of DOT 4 through the rear lines, shut off the Speed Bleeder, topped-off and buttoned up the rear reservoir. Rear complete.
I then moved to the front. First, I wanted to get my front reservoir level, so I tied a cord on the left grip and pulled it in enough to get a level reservoir. I tied it off in that position. I bled the right front first then the left front. No air bubbles came out and the fluid was only lightly yellow. Not nearly as dark as the rear. I ran about three reservoirs of fluid through each side. After completion, I topped off the reservoir and buttoned it up. Front done.
I used trash bags and shop rags on everything to keep that darn DOT 4 off the paint and other surfaces. All that went well.
I recommend these speed bleeders to anyone and everyone. Don't be worried about removing the stock nipples and getting air into your brakes. It's best to be prepared to follow through with the bleeding process immediately after you install the bleeders.
Hope my experience with Speed Bleeders has been helpful. I have no affiliation at all with this product or company. Just passing my experience with the product along to the forum. After a test ride, the brakes felt great. I believe the rear is better now than before the bleed.
You have the ABS brakes on that bike right?