Bleeding the Front Caliper

[Top1Dog525]

Anyone know the correct way to bleed the front calipers on our bikes. Fixing to put brake fluid into the master cylinder and need to know how to bleed the calipers. Never done dual calipers before, so any info is appreciated.

[Blue-Sun]

I imagine you may need to utilize a hand held vacuum pump bleeder, they have them at Harbor Freight. I've used them on cars & light trucks, but not on a motorcycle. Just a guess...

[Marthy]

Originally Posted by Blue-Sun

I imagine you may need to utilize a hand held vacuum pump bleeder, they have them at Harbor Freight. I've used them on cars & light trucks, but not on a motorcycle. Just a guess...

You don't need any pump. At first bleed with the system open. You need to plug a clear hose on the bleeding nipple and dump it in a can (old drinking bottle will do the job if you don't have the proper one) The important thing is the hose need to go all the way to the bottom of the can (fully submerge in the fluid). Pump the brake and add fluid until you don't see any bubbles, then close the bleeder. DON'T OVER-TIGHT! Then do the other side if you have 2 calipers. (Same process). Don't forget to top off the reservoir as you pump. If the level is too low you will suck some air in the system and you will need to start all over again.

With both bleeder close, pump the brake few time to make sure the pads are against the rotors. Then you will do a pressure bleed. Put a light but firm pressure on the lever and open the bleeder. Go all the way down on the lever (don't let go until you close the nipple!) Do it about 3 time per nipple or until you don't see any bubble going thru the hose.

One more thing, use new fluid all the time. Brake fluid can attract moisture very easy. If your can have been open for few months, dump it and buy new one.

[owldaddy]

This is a good time to point out the usefulness of speed bleeders. Bleeding brakes are not a problem, since the lever and the calipers are close enough for someone to pump the brake and open/close the bleed nipple. Speed bleeders make it easier for someone alone, to do the job. They are not that expensive, and just make things easier since you can watch the fluid level and pump without the distraction of manipulating the bleed nipples.

[dart1963]

Just "did" mine today... o.k. , I was the sqeeze man... had a great friend who's a mc mechanic do it.

With dual brakes, he did the left side first (if you're sitting on the bike, the left hand side), then the right hand side.

We completely changed my fluid with Motul RBF fluid (

Amazon.com: Motul RBF 600 Racing Brake Fluid: Automotive

Amazon.com: Motul RBF 600 Racing Brake Fluid: Automotive

) as my fluid is one year old, 17000 miles and was a little dark... a "little past due". I def. had some air in there... the squeeze, then fall to the handle feeling is gone. I will need new pads, but will wait 'till my OH trip abuse is done.