A Brake bleeding procedure I used today

[Richsuz]

So doing routine maintenance on all my bikes, decided to tackle brakes on all of them. A GS650GL (Back and front), an XS650 front (drums in back) and YS250 front. I also had the brilliant idea to replace the lines for SS lines.

So the XS went under the wrench first, less than 2mm of lining left. Bled the system of all fluid. Removed the caliper and lines (two piece became one line direct from MC to caliper). Cleaned all pertinent parts, and reassembled. Then the pain. filled the MC with DOT3, and started pumping. Nothing. After about 2 hours of pumping, and the fluid slowly draining into the system, I got to the point where no more fluid would flow, but, there was no pressure. I knew there was air in the system, but I could not get it out. So I started taping the line. Bubbles started to come up, slowly. After another 4 hours, finally some pressure started to build and I could start the bleeding process. All in all, I figure it took me about 8 hours, full at it, getting the air out. Tapping, here, tapping there, etc, etc. I realized I needed some kind of mechanical interference to drive the bubbles up. That was last weekend. MY LORD what a difference New EBC pads, SS line and fresh fluid made.

Today I decided to go at the GS. Since I want to ride it these Sunday. This bike has two MC's to tackle. Not wanting to spend 16 hours, give or take, I wanted to come up with something new. Something to SHAKE the bubbles out, something to vibrate them out. VIBRATE?? I went to the drugstore and (don't laugh ) looked for a lady's best friend. I found some minidoojobbers, that you put on a male partner to please the female one . bought two of them for 5 bucks a pair. Went home, taped them to the brake line. Turned them on. Started pumping the MC and bubbles FIZZLED out, literally. Got my brakes, dismantled, cleaned, new parts installed and bled in about 1 and a half hours.

So if and when you name your bike, give it a ladies name. Big Berta sure liked them midfrequency gadgets....

 

[FiremanBob]

That may win this month's McGyver award.

 

[Steve]

Silly me, I have just primed the master cylinder then pumped the fluid through.

.

 

[koolaid_kid]

Silly me, I have just primed the master cylinder then pumped the fluid through.

.

Steve, we can't condome that.

 

[spyug]

+1 for the Mcgyver award!

Cheers,
Spyug

 

[willie]

Interesting concept. Personally though, I bet an electric toothbrush (without the brush) would also probably do the trick and avoid the awkwardness of buying an item that may be hard to explain when spotted in your toolbox. Just a thought.
Willie

 

[Stahlgrau333]

I've always been a big fan of multi-purpose tools.

 

[1980GS1000E]

And then there is the MityVac...

 

[koolaid_kid]

It would probably be more awkward to explain why they were hanging off your bike.

 

[Tom R]

While you were at the drug store you should have picked up a 100cc syringe and pumped the fluid in from the caliper.

 

[Stahlgrau333]

While you were at the drug store you should have picked up a 100cc syringe and pumped the fluid in from the caliper.

I could see buying a pair of vibrators and a syringe becoming a bit awkward. Throw in some night time cough syrup, and you're sure to raise some eyebrows.

 

[Richsuz]

Interesting concept. Personally though, I bet an electric toothbrush (without the brush) would also probably do the trick and avoid the awkwardness of buying an item that may be hard to explain when spotted in your toolbox. Just a thought.
Willie

I have yet to see a disposable tooth brush vibrate like this babies. http://www.tiendadurex.com/index.php?categoria=49110
and the price (not the one listed i the link was half the price of a single brush.)

 

[Richsuz]

While you were at the drug store you should have picked up a 100cc syringe and pumped the fluid in from the caliper.

Actually I did try that on the XS, it was way too messy, and maybe the diameter of the internal SS line was too big, or whatever. The only way I was able to get rid of the air was by tapping on it.

 

[cal_look_zero]

Yeah thanks. Co workers from across the office were wondering what I was giggling about.

 

[Tom R]

While you were at the drug store you should have picked up a 100cc syringe and pumped the fluid in from the caliper.

Actually I did try that on the XS, it was way too messy, and maybe the diameter of the internal SS line was too big, or whatever. The only way I was able to get rid of the air was by tapping on it.

I've done this several times because I made less mess, though I may have just got lucky with the MC. The bigger the syringe the better (I lost mine, maybe it was bigger than 100cc) and you use a clear tube between the syringe and the bleeder.

Doesn't the XS have a 650cc vibrator?