Just did my ABS Bleed

Ozhirsty · Post by **Ozhirsty** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:17 pm

Well it went OK. Was apprehensive to start this job, but it went well.

First I prepepared the detergent cap with drilled bolt, as per CycleRob's excellent advice.
However tank off revealed I had banjo type fittings with 8mm Allen slot in top. Reluctant to drill through it, so what to do now.
I had earlier purchased several Horse size syringes from an Aminal supply place. Use these for battery top-ups etc.
Stuck a length of tubing (about 15") on one and had helper keep resevoir topped up whilst I proceeded with bleed.
All went well with this. When I moved to filling handlebar resevoir, I found that you have to control the let off of brake to prevent a guyser of oil.
Replacement fluid was of same color so pumped till clear. Put about 24 oz
in front and slightly less in back. More than needed I'm sure.

For those that are contemplating doing this job, go for it. Save $$$$
Take your time, having a helper helps, plus even better if you do use a Ministan or CycleRob similar.
I spent more time removing calipers, making the brake chocks and removing tank that I did with the bleed job.

Alan
r1150ra '04

Post by **taosports** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:12 pm

Glad it all went well for you Alan. I also did my first ABS brake bleed about 2 months ago. I was as apprehensive as you but it all went smoothly. I had the advantage of using a Mini-Stan and I replaced all of the bleeders with speed bleeders so that it was quite easy to do solo.

Post by **CycleRob** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:02 am

Removing the (empty) fueltank is tedious at best. Removing the calipers, extending then cleaning the exposed piston's surfaces and then compressing them to purge the old fluid out the bleeders is the hardest part. The lines to the caliper are real short and can be damaged by large caliper movements, so be aware & gentle. From there it's just watch the fluid levels and proceed slowly according to the outlined sequence. Two people makes it real easy. Your grumpy wife can be the 2nd person watching the levels and feeding them.

BTW, My wonderful wife Ann is never grumpy and would be pleased to be number 2 helping number 1 do an important job. She already has helped change the DOT3 in my truck by stepping on the brake (a zillion times). It can be a bonding experience if you treat her like your GF and maybe cook supper for her later. I have fond memories of that service job in the cold garage even though I really dreaded it beforehand.

Ozhirsty · Post by **Ozhirsty** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:17 am

CycleRob; Thanks for your encouragement and assistance to all.
I combined the bleed with tire replacement, so I reattached the calipers to the bike before putting wheels back on. This really makes it easier all round to bleed. So much so, next time I'll remove wheels even if not changing out tires.
I did the front wheel bounce as per manual and no problems there.
Thanks again, Alan