Triumphrat

twoturntwo · 10-12-2008

Hi all! I've been off the forum for a while. The bike has been patiently waiting in the garage.

My 2001 Legend has been OOC for two years and now I'm ready to get her back into shape. I am installing new brake pads front and back and changing the brake fluid. I got the old fluid out and new fluid in by disconnecting the banjo bolt at the caliper and pumping the brake pedal to drive the fluid out the caliper connection as I pour fresh fluid in the reservoir. So now the system is filled with new fluid but how do I bleed it? The haynes says to connect my vacuum pump to the bleeder valve at the caliper but for the life of me, I can't find a bleeder valve! When I push on the brake pedal I get no fluid movement. Doesn't matter if the reservoir cap is on or off.

Anyone out their have any advice?

jenglandtoyman · 10-12-2008

Instead of using the banjo bolt on the lower end of the line use the bleeder screw using this order:
Pump the break lever and then hold it tight while cracking the bleed valve, this allows air to escape from the bleeder.
Re-tighten the bleed valve, then release the lever.
Make sure the reservoir is full.
Repeat but make sure the brake lever stays pulled each time until air has escaped, and the nut is tightened.
On the Legend I did have a time getting the last air out of the front brake line and had to eventually just crack the top banjo bolt while applying brake to release a bubble right there in the joint.
Make sure you direct the brake fluid away from painted surfaces using tubing and protect them with rags as it is corrosive.
I hope this makes sense and helps.

cafetbird · 10-12-2008

FYI - the bleeder screw is located on top of the brake caliper, under a little rubber cap. It takes either a 7mm or 8mm open end or box end wrench to run it while bleeding. I prefer a box end, as you can take your hand off of it, and it stays put on the bleeder screw.

Get yourself some clear plastic line, so you can watch the bubbles coming out while bleeding. Feed the line into a small plastic bottle, to catch the dripping brake fluid. Nest the bottle in something solid so it doesn't fall over and dump &%#$#$!! fluid all over the place.

Put the box end wrench on the screw. Insert the plastic line on the nipple. Press in the brake or clutch handle (same procedure applies to bleeding the hydraulic clutch). use the box wrench to open the valve. Watch the pretty bubbles. Just before the handle goes to the bottom of its travel, close the valve with the box wrench. Repeat until no more pretty bubbles. Check fluid level in reservior often.

I usually also clamp my brake handle down over night afterwards to drive out any tiny bubbles remaining. It seems to help.

KD5QOQ · 10-12-2008

Like Cafe just mentioned, the plastic tube can also be run back up to the reservior and just start pumping away until no more bubbles are seen then close the bleeder.

BigAl8295 · 10-12-2008

You can pick up a nice little kit with tubes and a closed plastic container with a little hanger at any autoparts store. You can do thhe job yourself without worrying about spilling brake fluid.

denny · 10-12-2008

Just in case you don't know, Brake Fluid will damage paint.

So take some precautions, I usually cover the tank and fender with saran wrap and rags on top of that. When you pump the brakes, sometimes fluid will shoot out the top of the cylinder reservoir.

cafetbird · 10-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD5QOQ

...the plastic tube can also be run back up to the reservior and just start pumping away until no more bubbles are seen then close the bleeder.

That is a great idea, KD! The bleeding kits you can buy are primarily made for cars, where you can't do thatreadily. On a bike, that is a simple solution.

twoturntwo · 10-12-2008

Thanks for all the advice! I will have another go at it on my next day off. I do have one of those vacuum pump brake bleeder kits for sucking out the air. I hooked it up to what I am reasonably sure is the bleeder valve, (nipple under rubber cap on caliper that is the perfect size to fit the hose that came with the bleeder kit). i cracked the bleeder valve and pumped and pumped but got nowhere. I must be doing something wrong. I will try again on Wednesday and let you guys know how it turns out.