ABS brake bleeding?
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 24
From: Texas
ABS brake bleeding?
I have been inundating myself with handlebar options for the last 3 days since arrving back from a 1300 mile ride on my 13 RKC. I think I have narrowed my choices down but then started thinking about changing lines and wonder how the new ABS brake bleeding works?
Oh, I think the w0 502 wild ones are my new bar...i think...LOL
In the mean time, got V&H x pipe headers, big sucker ac and PC to install to keep me busy!
Oh, I think the w0 502 wild ones are my new bar...i think...LOL
In the mean time, got V&H x pipe headers, big sucker ac and PC to install to keep me busy!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 3
From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W
Manual says you need to have the brakes bled on the Digital Tech at the dealer to ensure all air is out of the system. I did my own bars and bled in the normal fashion and then rode it to the dealer for bleeding on the digital tech. Charged me 1/2 hour labor. Well worth the peace of mind IMHO.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
I have been inundating myself with handlebar options for the last 3 days since arrving back from a 1300 mile ride on my 13 RKC. I think I have narrowed my choices down but then started thinking about changing lines and wonder how the new ABS brake bleeding works?
Oh, I think the w0 502 wild ones are my new bar...i think...LOL
In the mean time, got V&H x pipe headers, big sucker ac and PC to install to keep me busy!
Oh, I think the w0 502 wild ones are my new bar...i think...LOL
In the mean time, got V&H x pipe headers, big sucker ac and PC to install to keep me busy!
2. The trick to the ABS thing is getting the least amount of air in the module as possible. I have done at least 20 sets of bars on ABS bikes and have never had to bleed the module. If you do, you will get an error light. No light and good lever pressure means you are GTG...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Yeah, dealer had to do bleed on mine too. ABS won't work properly. If you're just changing the front line, I heard of some guys getting away with it. I replaced all my lines with braided.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
+1
I've done several of these as well. Used a MityVac brake bleeder and have yet to have to send one to the dealer. The biggest thing to remember is not to turn on the ignition while its all apart. If you do the ABS will cycle and suck air into the system. This is not a job to be afraid of.
I've done several of these as well. Used a MityVac brake bleeder and have yet to have to send one to the dealer. The biggest thing to remember is not to turn on the ignition while its all apart. If you do the ABS will cycle and suck air into the system. This is not a job to be afraid of.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 24
From: Texas
I got a mity vac and dang sure ain't afraid of doing the work. I just heard a horror story about having to use the digital tech and i really want to avoid that. i might just go ahead and do it and go from there. Thank you guys!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
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From: Charleston, SC
Replace the top line going from the ABS module to the master cylinder then reverse bleed the line.
I mean use your mityvac to PUSH fluid up from a brake caliper up the line to fill the master cylinder.
Then bleed like normal. Ensures pretty much no air passes the ABS module.
Pretty easy... just sayin.
lp
I mean use your mityvac to PUSH fluid up from a brake caliper up the line to fill the master cylinder.
Then bleed like normal. Ensures pretty much no air passes the ABS module.
Pretty easy... just sayin.
lp
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
+1
I've done several of these as well. Used a MityVac brake bleeder and have yet to have to send one to the dealer. The biggest thing to remember is not to turn on the ignition while its all apart. If you do the ABS will cycle and suck air into the system. This is not a job to be afraid of.
I've done several of these as well. Used a MityVac brake bleeder and have yet to have to send one to the dealer. The biggest thing to remember is not to turn on the ignition while its all apart. If you do the ABS will cycle and suck air into the system. This is not a job to be afraid of.
As a precaution you might want to pull the ABS fuse before you start. That way if you inadvertently turn on the ignition you will not be cycling the ABS Module. You could even leave the fuse out until after your initial test ride to be sure you are satisfied with the feel of the brakes following your conventional bleeding process.
Last edited by 2black1s; Sep 25, 2013 at 09:34 PM.