bleeding front brake issue

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5speed
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bleeding front brake issue

#1

Post by 5speed »

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?
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)
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CYBORG
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#2

Post by CYBORG »

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
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#3

Post by 5speed »

CYBORG wrote: Sun Mar 20, 2022 11:41 am 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.
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)
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CYBORG
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#4

Post by CYBORG »

Adapt a smaller hose to the pump??????
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#5

Post by 5speed »

CYBORG wrote: Sun Mar 20, 2022 12:19 pm Adapt a smaller hose to the pump??????
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)
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robin1731
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#6

Post by robin1731 »

Did the brakes work ok before you changed the lines? If so it isn't the M/C.
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#7

Post by digger »

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.
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#8

Post by Shadowjack »

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.
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#9

Post by 5speed »

robin1731 wrote: Sun Mar 20, 2022 2:27 pm Did the brakes work ok before you changed the lines? If so it isn't the M/C.
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)
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#10

Post by 5speed »

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.
We've done that..with the exception of slowly pressing the lever.
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)
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#11

Post by kerryb »

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!
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Re: bleeding from brake issu

#12

Post by Gowing »

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.
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issu

#13

Post by 5speed »

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.
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.
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)
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5speed
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#14

Post by 5speed »

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.
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)
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Re: bleeding from brake issue

#15

Post by Whiskerfish »

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