ABS Brake Bleeding

[Sherman]

OK, I tried to clean the pistons (on my ABS '04) up without popping them out but I got too enthusiastic.

Now I gotta bleed the front brake system.

Is it the same procedure on non ABS as ABS brakes?

How many typical reservoir refills on the front bleeding?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[C&C]

The 2004 Service Manual refers to the same procedure for bleeding brakes either ABS or conventional. The method they refer is by pumping the brake handle, opening the bleeder screw (have a clear tube on the end submerged in brake fluid), tighten before releasing the brake handle, repeat until no air shows. I have used the Mityvac, though I have non-ABS, but since the recommended method works both ways, I would assume the Mityvac would work with ABS as well.

Resevoir fills will obviously be more than with the conventional system but I didn't see a volume in the manual. I would think a pint would still do the job as I used about a half for my non-ABS.

 

[radman]

Nothing special with this ABS system as far as bleeding goes, just more spots for air to hide. Normal procedures work fine.

 

[Sherman]

Nothing special with this ABS system as far as bleeding goes, just more spots for air to hide. Normal procedures work fine.

I blead(?) it off a bit more this am. There are bubbles appearing even when the bleeder is closed. I need to clean up the bleeder or get a new hose.

Maybe do the squeeze method instead of the Mytee Vac.

Thanks for the help.

Bruce

 

[radman]

It can be difficult to fully bleed a system in one shot, even with a Mity-Vac to do the pulling. It's just tough to grab every last bit of air unless the bleed volume (flow) is substantial. One tried and true method is to use a bungee wrapped around the brake lever, pulled tight against the grip, and left overnight. I really don't know why this works as well as it does, but having used it on numerous bikes, I can attest to it's effectiveness.

 

[panthercity]

I've been using SpeedBleeders for a dozen years or so. They make the process much easier as a one-person deal. https://www.speedbleeder.com/

When I converted my `05 (non-ABS) to SSBLs, I got a MC banjo bleeder bolt so the last bit of bleedign is done at the top of the circuit. Started using those back when we were endurance racing the Hawks. Great for burping that last bubble.

 

[f1fan]

I've been using SpeedBleeders for a dozen years or so. They make the process much easier as a one-person deal. https://www.speedbleeder.com/

+1 on the SpeedBleeders. They are the cats meow.

 

[madmike2]

I blead(?) it off a bit more this am. There are bubbles appearing even when the bleeder is closed. I need to clean up the bleeder or get a new hose.Maybe do the squeeze method instead of the Mytee Vac.

Thanks for the help.

Bruce

Bruce, I get the same "air bubbles" with the bleeder closed. I think it is a small amount of air that seeps between the bleeder and the MityVac hose. My ABS system bled fine, though I had the same air bubbles you describe.

Just to be sure, I always finish by leaving the hose connected to the bleeder then squeeze the handles and bleed the "old fashioned" way. I always get clear fluid w/o airbubbles, which is why I think your issue is what I described above.

 

[Groo]

+1 on MM2's comments... I've also noted that the clear plastic tubing seems to fit better on the Speedbleeder ends than it did on the stock ones...

 

[Sherman]

Yes, the bubbles were from the tubing - bleeder connection. I did a lever squeeze cycle and it was clean. Oh well, the system is well flushed.

Thanks for all the help.

Bruce

 

[bikerjazz]

Because of all the ABS plumbing on the front brakes, I made my own cheap vacuum setup. (thanks Jestal) I used a stripped down air vacuum pump from Harbor Freight, a few fittings and a jar. I sealed the barb fittings on the jar with caulking. This thing draws the fluid through the system at a pretty good rate without having to stop constantly like with the Mity-vac.

 

[Constant Mesh]

When the bleed valve is open is there any value to pushing the caliper pistons and brake pads in to their minimum positions and away from the discs to help force out the fluid from the pistons? Or, in using the MityVac, does all of the old fluid get evacuated from all the nooks and crannies of the calipers?

 

[Colin24]

For the most part bleeding an ABS system is the same as a normal system, just more fluid.

However, there is a special tool and procedure that is used to get the ABS modulator to activate to flush the fluid through that part of the system. If you want to ensure a really long life to your ABS brake system then I would recomend that you get this tool and perform this extra procedure. Check the ABS service manual for details.

Colin