Special front brake bleeding

[IanDMacDonald]

Well, I just went out and completely bled the brakes on my GS850. Did not even bother bench-bleeding the M/C. Reverse-bled through the bleeder valve, and the lever was rock-hard with the first caliper. Same results with the second. You got some issues with something.

[xs650man]

Mate, please define

If you're doing what it sounds like you're doing, you are destroying the brake lines integrity and there'll be fluid flowing through the internal fractures in them.
Any chance of a photo to show how you are doing this??

This one of my clamps, used by mechanics to isolate parts of the brake system

[Schming]

Jat

The placement of the bleed screw, on the caliper, is to let air out when "forward" bleeding.

When reverse bleeding, the caliper, you may have to have the bleed screw lower than the banjo.

[IanDMacDonald]

Interesting! So, remove the caliper, place something between the piaton and caliper wall to simulate the rotor, and turn clockwise and try it?

[Schming]

Yes Ian, only on reverse pressure bleeding though, might this be helpful.

Air will find its way to a high point in the system and get trapped by a dip, have to eliminate the "dips" so the air flows up.

When "forward bleeding" the "dip" is the low location of the calipers that proves arduous trying to push air down that wants to come up.

One reason Dons stated method works is the MC is left open to let the air rise, but the lids breather port must be clean or better yet leave the lid off over night.

Reverse bleeding is a good method for calipers that are lower than MC's
which is just about all vehicles.

[IanDMacDonald]

Oh, I agree whole-heartedly Schming. Worked flawless for me! Dunno why he is having issues. I look forward to hearing of his successful bleeding story.

[xs650man]

Thanks guys,this is really pissing me off, I have bled hundreds of brakes but never have I had so much trouble, I can bleed my VW bus brakes on my own in 1/2 an hour by jaming a spring loaded rod I made on the brake pedal but this simple bike job is proving to be a nightmare. I will try the reverse method with the callipers turned 180. Has anyone had trouble with K&L m/c and calliper kits ?

[Eveready1100]

Mate, please define
Quote:
if I clamp the calliper lines just above the banjos, the lever is solid, its only when clamps are removed that I get a soggy lever which points to air trapped in the callipers
If you're doing what it sounds like you're doing, you are destroying the brake lines integrity and there'll be fluid flowing through the internal fractures in them.
Any chance of a photo to show how you are doing this??

This one of my clamps, used by mechanics to isolate parts of the brake system

Ok, That answered that question. Maybe you'd be best to start with a good, undamaged set of brake lines and try again.
If a "mechanic" came anywhere near my bike with a device like that, I'd wring his neck.
I have no issues bleeding my SF's system just following the normal procedure.

[xs650man]

Ok, That answered that question. Maybe you'd be best to start with a good, undamaged set of brake lines and try again.
If a "mechanic" came anywhere near my bike with a device like that, I'd wring his neck.
I have no issues bleeding my SF's system just following the normal procedure.

Ok assuming my hoses are toast ( which I dont think they are as Ive used the clamps many times with no probs ) How come they lever is firm as when I have the hoses clamped down at the callipers but goes limp when removed ?

[IanDMacDonald]

You make a valid point. My vote goes toward air leaking past your caliper piston seal.

[IanDMacDonald]

I would not swap-out lines, I'd swap-out the caliper seal.

[Schming]

If you had air leaking past the seal you'd also have fluid, is there?

[IanDMacDonald]

Well, prior to re-building them with K&L kits, he had a puddle at the caliper. New M/C, lines, etc.

[Schming]

Another thought, if those are in fact original lines using that pinch tool could break the inner walls of the old lines and have bits of rubber contaminating the system.

[xs650man]

You make a valid point. My vote goes toward air leaking past your caliper piston seal.

Thats what I was thinking but there dosnt appear to be any fluid loss, are the K&L kits any good, theyre all I could find to fit the Special