Bleeding ABS Breaks...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I replaced the original front brake line from the ABS module to the M/C with a two piece Magnum line. I also have Speed Bleeders on all calipers.
When bleeding the front brakes, I accidentally ran the M/C dry twice and also had a bad seal between the M/C & brake line. It took awhile but I bleed a whole bottle of fluid through the system (clean, so I caught it for future use) and got a firm brake lever. I thought for sure there was air in the ABS module.
I was finally able to ride the bike today for the first time since installing bars, brake line, etc and guess what, the ABS light went out when I started moving and never came on. Brakes work great. Guess I was lucky.....
When bleeding the front brakes, I accidentally ran the M/C dry twice and also had a bad seal between the M/C & brake line. It took awhile but I bleed a whole bottle of fluid through the system (clean, so I caught it for future use) and got a firm brake lever. I thought for sure there was air in the ABS module.
I was finally able to ride the bike today for the first time since installing bars, brake line, etc and guess what, the ABS light went out when I started moving and never came on. Brakes work great. Guess I was lucky.....
Last edited by HDV-GLIDE; Nov 18, 2013 at 06:11 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,888
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
I understand the HD dealer has the digital technician tool that allows them to run various diagnostics along with cycling the ABS pump. Is there a third party company that offers a tool/software that allows me to use my laptop to perform various diagnostic tests along with cycling the ABS pump?
For example, I have a VW and purchased the Ross-Tech Vag-Com. It's software with a cable/dongle that I install/attach to my laptop and can pretty much perform any test that the VW dealer does with their expensive offical VW tool. The Vag-Com only cost me $249 and was well worth the cost. I can use that tool to cycle my ABS pump in my VW along with doing hundreds of other things. I believe I can also reprogram keys, switches, etc. A very cool tool. One of the things I recently did with the tool to help diagnosis a brake issue was to use the tool to read the values reported by the ABS speed sensor.
http://www.ross-tech.com/index.html
For example, I have a VW and purchased the Ross-Tech Vag-Com. It's software with a cable/dongle that I install/attach to my laptop and can pretty much perform any test that the VW dealer does with their expensive offical VW tool. The Vag-Com only cost me $249 and was well worth the cost. I can use that tool to cycle my ABS pump in my VW along with doing hundreds of other things. I believe I can also reprogram keys, switches, etc. A very cool tool. One of the things I recently did with the tool to help diagnosis a brake issue was to use the tool to read the values reported by the ABS speed sensor.
http://www.ross-tech.com/index.html
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 3
From: bklyn ny/dingmans ferry pa
ok so since im about to install 14in ape on my roadglide ultra basiclly.i have to get new brake line.so what everyone is saying if i have this right is all i have to do is change the line that goes from the m/c to the connection under the tank or change all the way to the abs moduel.but if i do this i can still bleed the brakes without going to the dealer as long as i dont turn on the igntion
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
ok so since im about to install 14in ape on my roadglide ultra basiclly.i have to get new brake line.so what everyone is saying if i have this right is all i have to do is change the line that goes from the m/c to the connection under the tank or change all the way to the abs moduel.but if i do this i can still bleed the brakes without going to the dealer as long as i dont turn on the igntion
Remove the line from the master cylinder but keep it elevated higher then the ABS module. Have the new line ready, remove the fitting from the old line at the module and screw the new one in right away keeping the line higher then the module (probably not necessary but it can't hurt). If you go with the 2 piece line, join the two together and bolt it into the master cylinder. Fill the master cylinder and bleed your brakes as normal (Speed Bleeders work great). Keep the master cylinder full and you should get no air in the ABS module. Do not turn on the ignition until all lines are attached and the brakes are bled.
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