I have read a couple of good threads on the topic, so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm doing. But I still have a couple of rather noobish questions, and I hope someone can enlighten me. From what I've read, it is a PITA to get all the air bubbles out of the brake lines after draining, so some people recommend to change the fluid in the main cylinder, only... then bleed until clear fluid comes out. So my question is: can you remove the hose from the brake assembly, then stop it up without completely draining the brake lines? Or is it better to drain the entire system? Is it possilbe to 1. remove brakes from brake line and stop them up with "something" 2. disassemble and clean brakes 3. replace brake line to brakes. 4. change out brake fluid in the master cylinder 5. bleed brakes until brake fluid comes out clear? I read that one guy completely removed the banjo in order to install teflon tape, and he said fluid did not spill out. So I thought this might be something more than a pipe dream. Also, noob question of the day: when I open the main cylinder and fill the reservoir, do I have to screw the top back on each time before I pump the brakes, or can I leave the top completely open until the brakes are completely bled?
What is the mission you hope to accomplish? Please state what year and model bike?? Just to change out old brake fluid ( it should be changed every 2-3 years) you need only to open the bleed screw on the caliper, place a clear plastic line on bleeder, keep the mc full and keep pumping slowly, all while keeping brake fluid away from plastic and painted parts. When the fluid looks clear and you have several ounces of old fluid collected, then hold the brake lever in while closing the bleed screw. Work on the left side caliper first, then the right. To clean the brake dust from the calipers it's not necessary to disconnect the hydraulics and not advisable. You should have a watersoaked rag and towels handy if you spill. If you are new to this, please be extra cautious on your next ride because brake failures can be worse than engine failures..... If you have ABS or linked brakes please disregard the above and consult your service manual.
I messed up on the title of this thread. I wouldn't mind if a moderator closed it. I just started a new thread with a proper title and new emergent problems. Thanks for the reply, squirrel. I shoulda listened, lol.
i just bled the brakes on my 86 700 and i went to auto zone and bought a brake line bleed kit for a car but it work just the same and i bled out all the air bubbles. not to hard to do. hopes it helps some
