Brake Bleeder Repair

[DuenasMoto18]

My 1981 Midnight Special xs1100 needs a brake bleeder repair kit for the rear brake caliper. I want to confirm that 1/8 npt will work. Thank you!

[cajun31]

The calipers are metric and I am assuming you need the bleeder screw. It is 8mm x 1.25mm pitch. Bleeder Screw - Brake Caliper - 8mm x 1.25mm | Yamaha Motorcycle Parts | Mikes XS

[DuenasMoto18]

My caliper seat was unfortunately drilled through by mechanic, Looking for a solution to salvage the brakes. I’m looking at Brake Bleeder repair kits. The smallest one i can find is 1/8 Npt which requires 24/64 drill bit (.3281inch = 8.334mm) according to google. Which should give it enough room to drill. Just want to confirm if someone has done the same procedure.

[DEEBS11]

This is probably a better way to go.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/405842357274?_skw=xs1100+special+front+caliper&epid=1511857745&itmmeta=01K6MZCJW5E7BCMA4FVEQBS1MY&hash=item5e7e16ec1a%3Ag%3Ap50AAOSwGO9oC5X-&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dfWej80v8I0iZc9ooxwQ9uvwGJSFmBV93fhTU48Rxyg2wNVFULLKJv46jCZpg47ldKzGyRbBVvmxsrGNpMfIKsiunWtIXmTTdUC39Y%2FrLHuIyUstVUCDebL5xtNKZPTfZau32p898QBAGHvOSRpqBJZSjfGstsXmPOCFCOZ%2BCIRVB4g4XK7MLRvNiyZqI9c91d4sIyOzd3ipV5wcllRWNDP81E99%2BU0QkqYV6W3vxsTRobJc5rp8WPAgJQCuokTxxuftgyUjmBJ%2FZc9hSYqRIg%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7Kusp-1Zg&LH_ItemCondition=4

[cajun31]

I agree with Deebs. Better to just replace the caliper. Barring that and from your pictures I would assume if done correctly drilling and tapping you could choose whatever size bleed screw you want. the problem you are going to run into is what is going to stop the bleed screw from draining? The original is designed to bottom out when you tighten it. If you drill it out I am not sure how that would affect that. Replacement caliper would be my preferred choice.

[DuenasMoto18]

I would replace it but it’s a tough one to find. It’s the rear brake caliper for 1981 MNS. From my understanding the repair kit works like this, since the seat was damaged and drilled through the bleeder does not seal and will exit through the nipple. The repair has the insert with a seat for the accompanied bleeder. The seal would be achieved between with in that unit.

[cajun31]

I feel your pain on finding the rear caliper. Keep searching for one and remember to expand your search as the 82 maxim 1100 had the same rear caliper. One other thing that you need to be aware of is the rebuild kit for the rear master can be acquired from xj4ever.com. You have to email them to order parts but they are generally very responsive. With the additional info you just provided I would think what are looking at for repair should work. Someone might read this and they might have a spare rear caliper. That is if they are willing to part with it.

[DuenasMoto18]

Thx Cajun31! I like my chance with this insert I found at Orielys for under $5. Physically the dimensions look good. Wish me luck, if it works it can be a solution for others also.

[DEEBS11]

I would replace it but it’s a tough one to find. It’s the rear brake caliper for 1981 MNS. From my understanding the repair kit works like this, since the seat was damaged and drilled through the bleeder does not seal and will exit through the nipple. The repair has the insert with a seat for the accompanied bleeder. The seal would be achieved between with in that unit.

The picture you posted is a front caliper?

[DEEBS11]

Oh, I get it. This is the brake arm. You should be able to use a front caliper on that.

[DEEBS11]

This is the caliper I posted. It's your caliper unless I am mistaken.

[DEEBS11]

That repair. I'm not saying nothing. I'm just saying. I imagine that repair doing 80mph on the highway.

[DuenasMoto18]

Actually the brake caliper you posted actually looks like it but labeled wrong? But the picture I posted is the rear brake, the bracket and the other part of the rear brake is still installed on the bike.

[cajun31]

The caliper that Deebs posted will not fit the rear of the 81 mns. No where near the same. Just keep your eyes open for a replacement caliper. There are several xs1100 groups out on facebook. Might be worth a try to ask out there. Sometimes you can find what you are looking for quicker there. Just watch out for the scammers.

[DEEBS11]

I see it now. The bleeder is pointed in-line with the mount and the one I posted is perpendicular to the mount. I will keep an eye out and see if I can find one.