Bleeding Brakes

[alkyholic]

I made a switch from standard 08 XL883 handlebars to 08 XL883 Low bars and i had to replace the front brake line to that of the low model as well for the upper brake line to reach.

I went through 12 oz of brake fluid and still cant get a good lever feel. lever still travels almost to the grip.

How much fluid does it usually take to get all the air out? I thought that would be enough but apparently not.

Thanks in advance...

[gruss]

Originally Posted by alkyholic

I made a switch from standard 08 XL883 handlebars to 08 XL883 Low bars and i had to replace the front brake line to that of the low model as well for the upper brake line to reach.

I went through 12 oz of brake fluid and still cant get a good lever feel. lever still travels almost to the grip.

How much fluid does it usually take to get all the air out? I thought that would be enough but apparently not.

Thanks in advance...

you'll need to vacuum bleed the system. a basic kit can be found at most auto parts stores for around 20 bucks...its the only way to "pull" the air from the lines...and make sure you have no leaks in the system......g

[Dave63]

Simple enough to fix.

Air bubbles travel UP.

Unbolt your master cylinder, leaving the brake hose in place, (undo any hose mounts) and place it on a hammer handle, or something of that diameter. Place the master cylinder on the floor, LOWER then the calipers.

Now........slowly squeeze the lever, with one bleeder open at a time. Leave the bleeder open, with your finger over it, gently. You'll begin to feel mild pressure as the air is forced out.

If you have dual brake calipers, go back and forth, a little (20 pumps) at a time.

The trick is to get the master cylinder lower then the calipers, so the air travels UP, since getting it to travel down, is much harder.