Where to find best info on how to bleed brakes

Okay, searched and did not find answer I was looking for but where is best link or info on bleeding brakes for 6th gen model and bleeding the points in what order etc? I have manual but it did not answer all the questions I had. I do not have mighty vac and will have to do it manually this time (just got to get riding tomorrow asap for this warm weather). I replaced rear brake pads (let the old ones get down to zero by mistake) and back brake sticks now but only after I depress the rear pedal and then it locks. It does not lock tire completely but you can tell brake is dragging hard. However, if I crack the bleed screw at the proportion valve (PCV) under seat on left side, the brake unlocks, wheels spins freely and is fine until the pedal is depressed again. I noticed the pistons were pushed out very far since no pad left and assume some air got sucked in there. Sprayed brake cleaner on caliper and pistons and they were perfect, not corroded or anything. Tried to bleed today just guessing and hoping to get lucky but no dice. Guess in the things read, service manual and videos watched, I get the general idea but not sure what order to bleed. Just looking for something more detailed explaining process. Did find pretty good explanation on other VFRD board but also looking for something else. Also, brake fluid looks pretty good and nothing gummy anywhere so just cleaned out reservoir and replaced with new fluid as temp fix until riding weather not as good and time for me to do proper flush when more time. Any help appreciated.

 

The best "how-to" I read was the one over at VFRD. I've bled the brakes on both my 5 gen and 6 gen several times, always with good results, I just followed the how-to. Also bled a few fellow members bikes as well, again no issues. I also swapped out the OEM bleed nipples with Speed Bleeders and now it's quick and easy!

 

If you have the OEM service guide, the instructions are excellent.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2002-2003-Vfr800-a-Honda-Service-Manual-/151923523818?hash=item235f5900ea:g:doAAAOSwZ1lWeDCt&vxp=mtr

Spend the money - this service manual is worth every penny. Also, invest in a vacuum bleeder, you can find hand operated ones that are very affordable ($30-50) and they make the job so much easier to do.

 

Good call Jeff, There's also a downloadable version on VFRD which I just assumed he had.

 

I have the service manual I got from OOTV. Guess I need to just go back and read again. Just getting in too big a hurry to go try and ride during this warm weather. lol. Thanks.

 

LOL .... I forget to RTFM sometimes too when in a hurry to ride.

 

I just go to Ootv and have it done......Flush out the fluid and consume some IPA :thumb:

 

That's the best way to do it.

 

Now THAT is what I call "Customer Service".

 

As others have said, you can download the service manual from VFR Discussion.

This is the link to how to bleed the brakes on VFR Discussion:
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/...es-wabs-on-6th-generation-the-ultimate-guide/

I found the Mity-Vac was essentially useless for several of the circuits. I ended up manually bleeding the system.

Be sure to lubricate the slider pins with silicone brake grease.

 

I seem to remember when I last bleed the brakes, all circuits, that I had to remount the rear caliper per the manual to bleed the rear. Also, to get any flow out of the proportioning valve I need to depress the rear brake pedal a little. I use a mity-vac. It was easier than I expected but took at least an hour to do the whole procedure. This was on a 5th gen.

 

Mity-Vac is great!

Here's the hand-held vac that I'm using, it's cheap but it's does the job well for a tool that'll you'll only use once per year on your bike:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hand-Held-Brake-Bleeder-Tester-Set-Bleed-Vacuum-Pump-Car-Motorcycle-Garage-Tool-/381147345441

 

I found that the Mity-vac is great for doing a flush/fill and that the Speed Bleeders make this chore, especially when doing this solo, so much easier. However, the Mity-vac + Speed Bleeders does not work that well. The check valve on the Speed Bleeders really requires a push, rather than a pull, as what the Mity-Vac does. I've had the vacuum pressure cranked way up but still it wouldn't trigger the check valve and draw the fluid through the line!

Now that the SBs are installed, the Mity-vac only gets used for bikes that don't have them installed. Like when Long brings his bike over!

 

Speedbleeders are definately recommended and the VFRD instructions make it a snap. Have plenty of quality non synthetic brake fluid on hand.

 

Actually did it this past weekend and just went ahead and flushed and filled with new fluid. Not as bad as I thought. Read directions more thoroughly, took my time and did it. Did take couple of hours. Rear tire no longer locks up and brakes work good. Rotated front pads since I had them out to check them anyway. Did have helper (which is a must)


Edit: One tip I found out and might add not in directions....If you have front caliper off as directions say and need a spacer to use in between pads so they don't close all the way together, the part of the spanner wrench from the factory tool kit works great. Almost the same thickness as the rotor and just the right size to fit perfectly in there. Just wrapped a little piece of mechanics wire to hold them in so would not fall out. It's already right there for you to use to and no need to go digging around trying to find something that will work as a spacer.

 

I'm changing my brake fluid on my Gen 5, and I think I'll purchase speed bleeders. However, I know to install them while there is still fluid in the system. The fluid that's currently in my system is discolored and probably a little gunky (hence why I need to flush it).

I'm afraid that if I install SB then flush out the bad fluid, the bad fluid will gunk up my new speed bleeders. So, do I flush the system with out them and then install them, OR do I install them to make the flush easier?

 

I would flush with the original bleeders on. No point in subjecting the Speed Bleeders to possible gunk build up. From what I recall the Speed ones have slightly smaller passageways and so would be more prone to gunk blockage.