bleeding front brake issue
Moderators: Whiskerfish, ascot, Forum Moderators
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
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- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
bleeding front brake issue
I replaced the front brake line on a friends 2007 shadow spirit as we changed the bars on it.
I've been fighting with the brakes ever since.
I'm getting fluid out the bleed screw and the level drops in the m/c but I can't get any resistance in the lever.
I've tried the "tie the lever back over night" and that didn't work either.
I'm starting to think her master cylinder needs to be rebuilt.
thoughts?
I've been fighting with the brakes ever since.
I'm getting fluid out the bleed screw and the level drops in the m/c but I can't get any resistance in the lever.
I've tried the "tie the lever back over night" and that didn't work either.
I'm starting to think her master cylinder needs to be rebuilt.
thoughts?
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- CYBORG
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- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
- Location: Muskegon mich
Re: bleeding from brake issue
I always hook a vacuum pump to the bleeder, and draw any air out of the system. Always works for me in a matter of minutes. Even in a system that was completely dry.
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
- 5speed
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- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: bleeding from brake issue
I attempted that last night but the bleeder screw was smaller then the hose on my vacuum pump. lol
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- CYBORG
- Moderator
- Posts: 24538
- Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
- Location: Muskegon mich
Re: bleeding from brake issue
Adapt a smaller hose to the pump??????
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5312
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: bleeding from brake issue
that is the plan. not being able to get any resistance at all has me wondering if the seals on the mc piston are worn out though.
for the price of a kit I may rebuild it anyway.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
- Posts: 21724
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: bleeding from brake issue
Did the brakes work ok before you changed the lines? If so it isn't the M/C.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
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- Billet Alum. Member
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Re: bleeding from brake issue
As Cyborg said, use an adaptor to a smaller hose (I have used the nozzle for RTV tubes). Also put a little grease around the bleeder threads to prevent pulling air in so you can get a good vacuum at the bleeder nipple.
1975 GL1000
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Re: bleeding from brake issue
This is always a pain. I have had good luck with orienting the master cylinder in such a way as to make the holes in the bottom of the reservoir at the highest part of the circuit. Air eventually rises to that point, and by repeatedly moving (gently) the lever just a bit, the bubbles will pop out of the spooge hole. You need to have the cap off to watch it, and I always cover everything with something like a garbage bag to keep drips off the paint. Sooner or later, it will be clear, and assuming the caliper hasn't gotten any air in it, it should be solid. If I suspect the master cylinder of leaking internally, I take off the line and put a solid bolt in it. If it's good, it will become completely immovable.
- 5speed
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- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: bleeding from brake issue
that I don't know. the bike wasn't running when we got it and we pushed it in the shed.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5312
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: bleeding from brake issue
We've done that..with the exception of slowly pressing the lever.Shadowjack wrote: ↑Mon Mar 21, 2022 8:23 am This is always a pain. I have had good luck with orienting the master cylinder in such a way as to make the holes in the bottom of the reservoir at the highest part of the circuit. Air eventually rises to that point, and by repeatedly moving (gently) the lever just a bit, the bubbles will pop out of the spooge hole. You need to have the cap off to watch it, and I always cover everything with something like a garbage bag to keep drips off the paint. Sooner or later, it will be clear, and assuming the caliper hasn't gotten any air in it, it should be solid. If I suspect the master cylinder of leaking internally, I take off the line and put a solid bolt in it. If it's good, it will become completely immovable.
good idea for testing the m/c.
I'm going to get a hose that fits tightly on the bleeder screw and give that a go.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- kerryb
- Chrome Member
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- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2015 1:11 pm
- Location: Buffalo, NY
Re: bleeding from brake issue
I always wrap my bleeder screw in teflon tape before starting. With a vaccuum pump I can always get it close, and then finish with the handle tied back overnight. While it's tied back, I bump the handlebars with my fist every so often to get the little bubbles to move.
If the seals in the master have gone, then you might see seepage at the boot where the piston meets the handle. Patience, and good luck!
If the seals in the master have gone, then you might see seepage at the boot where the piston meets the handle. Patience, and good luck!
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.
'78 cb750K, '83 GL1100s,I,&A,'08FXSTC, '79 WilMac trike
'78 cb750K, '83 GL1100s,I,&A,'08FXSTC, '79 WilMac trike
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- True Blue Steel Biker
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Re: bleeding from brake issu
Could the tiny reservoir spooge hole be clogged and cause your symptoms? I put a rebuild kit in my front master cylinder on my xs650. I could not get firm lever. Ended being the hole was clogged. The xs650’s hole is hidden by molded plastic that I had to cut away.
Dave
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
- 5speed
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- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
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Re: bleeding from brake issu
I was wondering that as well. I'm going to go at it today with the vacuum pump and if that doesn't work..then it's time to take a look inside.Gowing wrote: ↑Sun Mar 27, 2022 3:54 am Could the tiny reservoir spooge hole be clogged and cause your symptoms? I put a rebuild kit in my front master cylinder on my xs650. I could not get firm lever. Ended being the hole was clogged. The xs650’s hole is hidden by molded plastic that I had to cut away.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5312
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: bleeding from brake issue
success...
I took the cover off the reservoir and slowly worked the brake lever and got air bubbles. Did that until the bubbles stopped then hooked the vacuum pump up and used that until I got clean brake fluid in the container on the pump.
We now have front brakes.
I took the cover off the reservoir and slowly worked the brake lever and got air bubbles. Did that until the bubbles stopped then hooked the vacuum pump up and used that until I got clean brake fluid in the container on the pump.
We now have front brakes.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- Whiskerfish
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Re: bleeding from brake issue
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
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