Bleeding antilock brakes
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Morris, Il
Bleeding antilock brakes
Guy at dealer told me they need the computer to bleed the abs brakes on my 08 ultra. Is this right or could I just use pump to drain and fill brake line. Have a hand vace pump to drain and collect and draw fresh fluids thru. Thanks for help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 348
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From: Idaho
I changed the fluid on my 09 without the "computer". Figured as long as I didn't suck any air into the system while changing the fluid it should be fine. No issues after procedure. The following steps were used:
1. Remove most of the fluid from each reservoir and top off with new fluid.
2. Begin the pump, hold, and bleed at the caliper method to pump the new fluid through the system. Watch the reservoir to make sure it doesn't run out of fluid. You'll have to keep topping it off as needed.
3. Once the fluid being bled at the caliper looks new (each caliper will need to be bled a number of times), close it off and move to the next caliper.
4. I went through an entire 12 oz bottle of fluid on the job.
1. Remove most of the fluid from each reservoir and top off with new fluid.
2. Begin the pump, hold, and bleed at the caliper method to pump the new fluid through the system. Watch the reservoir to make sure it doesn't run out of fluid. You'll have to keep topping it off as needed.
3. Once the fluid being bled at the caliper looks new (each caliper will need to be bled a number of times), close it off and move to the next caliper.
4. I went through an entire 12 oz bottle of fluid on the job.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,295
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From: Fort Pierce, Florida
If you are changing just the fluid, it might be okay to bleed your own brakes. However, if you change the lines it might be best to have your local dealer to bleed them. Here is the reason.
My HD shop mechanic is a friend of mine. He is only tells me to bring things into the shop if really needed. If he thinks I can do it, then he tells me... He told me that when I changed my brake lines, I needed to bring in my bike on a trailer to have it bleed there. The reasoning is HD will not warranty the ABS if you changed the lines and did not have it bleed at the shop. Some people have success in bleeding them their selves, but I wasn't going to take the $450.00 chance. it cost me $90.00 to have them do it and they even changed my levers at no additional cost. Just FYI
My HD shop mechanic is a friend of mine. He is only tells me to bring things into the shop if really needed. If he thinks I can do it, then he tells me... He told me that when I changed my brake lines, I needed to bring in my bike on a trailer to have it bleed there. The reasoning is HD will not warranty the ABS if you changed the lines and did not have it bleed at the shop. Some people have success in bleeding them their selves, but I wasn't going to take the $450.00 chance. it cost me $90.00 to have them do it and they even changed my levers at no additional cost. Just FYI
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Minnesota
Here is what the (2008) SM says:
If motorcycle is ABS equipped, and either the ABS module or more than one brake line was removed, confirm that brake system is properly connected. To accomplish this, connect motorcycle to DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (Part No. HD-48650) and perform "ABS Service" procedure in the "Toolbox" menu.
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