Triumphrat

GRG-Sprint1050 · 11-09-2007

I've had my Sprint 1050 for eighteen months. I already change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and for a while I've wanted to replace the bleed nipples with Speedbleeders. Always kept putting it off, but today I bit the bullet. Whipped the brake pads out, took the calipers off to clean them up (they do get crappy).

All this was the easy bit. Then it was time to change those bleed screws. As it happened, it was straightforward. Although I got the second Speedbleeder installed, popped the dust cap on. Then just gave the front brake leaver a couple of pumps just to seat the pads again. The dust cap flew straight off! FCUK - duff bleeder. Quickly whipped the pads out, caliper off. Off with duff Speedbleeder and on with another new one (I'm glad I bought four!). This time everything honky dorky. Decided to change the fluid as well (it probably didn't need it).

I'll give credit to the Speedbleeders, they make bleeding the front brakes a doddle. Everything back on and cleaned up. Decided to cable tie the front brake leaver back for the night and hopefully everythings rock solid in the morning.

I'm sure everything will be fine. If everythings OK in the morning I'll be really chuffed - another maintenance job that doesn't need the shop to do.

My next maintenance goals will be plugs and air filter.

I'd just like to say "Thanks" to the posts throughout the Sprint forum - they bolstered my confidence to get on and do this bit of work (even though it probably didn't really need doing just yet). Next time, I won't have any reservations about doing it.

Cheers,
Graham

oldndumb · 11-09-2007

Way to go, Grg. Whatever you do, try not to over torque fasteners (fixings to some) and use a torque wrench when you can.

I'm guessing "chuffed" is a good thing, and "duff" is bad?

GRG-Sprint1050 · 11-12-2007

Thanks for the comments OnD. Took the bike out this morning and those brakes are rock solid. Now I realise how 'spongy' they were previously. No leaks, so I'm really pleased (=chuffed) about this bit of maintenance. I'm glad I did it, because that's another part of the bike that I have an awareness (and confidence for dealing with).

I already have a torque wrench - but it's a bit of a cheapo, so I've ordered a couple of better quality ones. Brake calipers are something that I want to make sure are correctly torqued.

Cheers,
Graham

steventhechef · 11-12-2007

I know what you mean GRG-Sprint1050.

This forum and it's knowledgeable members have also given me the confidence to do things on my Triumph that I didn't feel that I could have tackled previously.

I too am tackling the plugs and filter next, maybe after that the fork oil !!