as anyone run into issues bleeding ABS brakes.

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Feb 23, 2013 | 12:21 PM

All Aces

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 787

Likes: 6

From: Charlotte NC

Has anyone run into issues bleeding ABS brakes.

I am putting on a chrome front brake reservoir and am told I need to bleed the brake line. I find many posts on here saying you can do it without the HD required Digital Tech. tool. A local indy said he would do it as long as I brought the bike in with the system still sealed which tells me he has a way to do it without a DT or it would make no difference to him it it was sealed or not. Previous post say just keep the line high and bleed as normal but has anyone actually done this and run into issues with the ABS module. They want $100 to bleed the front and if thats what it takes to keep the ABS working properly fine but I am not into pissing away $100 to have them do what I can. In the manual it says the Digital Tech is used to make sure they have been bled properly. Does this mean it just checks or is used in the process. Thoughts please.

Feb 23, 2013 | 12:31 PM

2011FLHX103

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 144

Likes: 0

From: New Brunswick

I had to take my to the dealer and have it done. Indy didn't have the HD Digital 'tool'. The 'tool' is used to do the bleed and then to test. I stood and watched it being done. It made a huge difference for me.

Just my experience.

K.

Feb 23, 2013 | 12:36 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,520

Likes: 3,953

From: Vermont

The tool (Digital Technician) is actually only used to test for air in the ABS module. It can be bled without the tool.

Feb 23, 2013 | 12:39 PM

HDV-GLIDE

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 4,741

Likes: 45

From: Indian Land, SC

Speed Bleeders....enough said....

Feb 23, 2013 | 12:45 PM

Jswerve

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 3,078

Likes: 0

From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDV-GLIDE

Speed Bleeders....enough said....

Interesting, thanks for sharing

Feb 23, 2013 | 01:51 PM

BB59

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 421

Likes: 71

From: Hayward Ca

I have bled my ABS brakes many times including after changing cables. I use a $25 vacuum brake bleeding tool from Harbor Freight tools and my ABS is working just fine. Takes less than 15 minutes.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...acuum+bleeders

Feb 23, 2013 | 08:24 PM

All Aces

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 787

Likes: 6

From: Charlotte NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB59

If you use a vacuum pump are you not pulling air through the ABS module? I thought that is what is a no no!

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Feb 23, 2013 | 08:46 PM

BB59

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 421

Likes: 71

From: Hayward Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by All Aces

If you use a vacuum pump are you not pulling air through the ABS module? I thought that is what is a no no!

No air gets into the system. I attach the vacuum pump to the bleeder screw. Pump the vacuum pump up and open the bleeder a little. You can watch the level in the brake fluid reservoir slowly go down. Just keep adding fluid and give the pump a few pumps as the vacuum drops. You can pull as much fluid as you want through the system and no air is getting in unless you let the fluid level in the reservior drop too low. Really pretty simple.