Problem bleeding the brakes

[Juggler]

When I told the dealer I was changing brake lines, the guy told me I would need at least a couple of bottles of brake fluid (9-10 ounces each).

So I just got done, and I didn't even use half a bottle. The brakes feel solid, not mushy at all. None of the fittings are leaking. I did use one of those Mighty Vac things, but is this correct?

It seems too easy...

 

[BigBSBusa]

Mighty Vac is the bomb for bleeding all the lines! If they feel solid you're good. If you had it on stands to change the lines, take it off and give a press of the levers to check.

 

[SPEEDEMON]

it sounds ok, i did mine pretty recently w/o the vacume and i only used one bottle

 

[BulletTrain]

Pull the brake lever in toward the grip and wrap it with a rag and then some tape to hold it and leave it for a couple hours at least. Doing that will pressurize the lines and fittings and should reveal any small leaks you might have. Make sure you clean all fittings and joints before hand though to make sure you don't find some residual fluid from the bleeding and mistake it for a leak.

Some say tying/taping the brake lever back also allows air to work it's self up through the lines and into the reservoir.

Fwiw, if I ever break the seal on the brake system I bleed it until there's no air left, recheck it before my next ride (bleed it again) and then bleed it again after the first ride. I usually get a little air on the pre-ride and post ride checks but have never gotten any air on a third re-check prior to my next ride. I figure bleeding, re-bleeding just prior to your first ride (assuming you don't go ride right after you swap lines or fluid), and then re-bleeding them once more after the first ride should be plenty.

 

[manatrader]

I did the clutch, and both brakes and only used about 1/2 the bottle, I have no idea how you would use 2 bottles, sounds like you did it correctly.

 

[motrhedd]

+1 on the second bleed after ride,Usally if there is any air in the system it will be right at the bleeder and come out on the first shot.

 

[bigoltool]

Pull the brake lever in toward the grip and wrap it with a rag and then some tape to hold it and leave it for a couple hours at least. Doing that will pressurize the lines and fittings and should reveal any small leaks you might have. Make sure you clean all fittings and joints before hand though to make sure you don't find some residual fluid from the bleeding and mistake it for a leak.

Some say tying/taping the brake lever back also allows air to work it's self up through the lines and into the reservoir.

Fwiw, if I ever break the seal on the brake system I bleed it until there's no air left, recheck it before my next ride (bleed it again) and then bleed it again after the first ride. I usually get a little air on the pre-ride and post ride checks but have never gotten any air on a third re-check prior to my next ride. I figure bleeding, re-bleeding just prior to your first ride (assuming you don't go ride right after you swap lines or fluid), and then re-bleeding them once more after the first ride should be plenty.

+1

The last time I did brake lines on my last bike I had a hard time bleeding them and I didn't have a Mity Vac. Tried the zip tie on the brake lever trick overnight and Voila! It works wonders and it really doesn't get any easier than that.

 

[MN72Busa]

I used about 1 1/4 bottles for front, rear and clutch lines. Could have got by with less, but I really flushed out the system good and dumped the fluid until it was completely clean - so I wasted some new fluid in the flushing process.

Im gonna have to post a pic of the stock clutch line for ya...man what a funny looking line compared to the new Galfer clutch line.



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[Tufbusa]

I don't think I have ever seen a "mighty vac"? Can someone post a picture and where can I get one?

 

[Guest]

front lines i used about half a bottle, maybe less. i dunno what that 2 bottle crap they are talking about is all about.

 

[Glyn]

I used almost a full bottle for the front, rear and clutch lines.

I used the Craftsman vacuum pump.

Nice and solid now. I think they install air at the factory or dealer

 

[DAB]

MityVac

 

[bigoltool]

Anybody use the Speed Bleaders? Are they worth doing?

 

[Juggler]

I've got a set of speedbleeders, but since I have the Mighty Vac, I figured why bother. I'll probably look at selling them (never installed).