Topic: Need a Brake Bleeding walkthrough

[walker]

Hello,  just registered, this is my first post.  Also new to the motorcycle world in general.  Last August I bought my first (and only) bike, a 1981 CB650.  I've never done any work on any motorized vehicle before.  In other words I am a complete newb. 

I know part of owning a motorcycle is the joy of doing your own work.  I'm also nervous I'll screw up my bike somehow. So... baby steps.  I've had some things done in the shop.  Rotor needed replacement right away.  Recently had headlight replaced (it was in for inspection anyway, or I'd have tried that myself), and new front tire (i just don't have the tools).  Things I've done myself (remember, baby steps!):  had battery on tender for the winter, reinstalled it; adjusted idle; oil and filter change (last week!). 

I have a few days off, and the next thing I'd like to take on is the brake fluid.  I have a new bottle of Honda fluid, and I'm positive the line could use the bleeding, rather than just a top off.


So, the short of it is.... could somebody write out a simple step by step walkthrough for me?  Including any tools, materials I'll need? (i might need to pick something up).   Forgive me if there already is one somewhere on the forums, but I couldn't find one. 

Thanks!

[Spanner 1]

Welcome Walker, That question about brakes is often discussed here on the Forum and many guys have many ways to recommend about bleeding brakes. However, just click on 'Home' above and then click on first option FAQ. In there you will find a Brake FAQ with lots of good info. good luck.....any specific Q's on the proceedure, please post here...happy reading..!

[Inigo Montoya]

A point to help. Get a speed bleeder screw. It will make it much faster.

[walker]

Thanks for the replies so far.  I looked through the Brake FAQ section and the info I found was for either filling the line from the bottom, only if it is empty to begin with (which it isn't) or for sucking the fluid out with my mouth (uh.. no thanks). 

I'll look through it all again tomorrow.   

This speed bleeder screw, generally available at cycle shops or special order?  I have no problem doing it whatever the slow way is.  Wouldn't kill me to try it once. 

[Spanner 1]

Well, here's how I do it....... first tape a small block of wood ( or whatever works ) about 3/4 " wide to the handlebar grip so that it limits the travel of the brake lever when pulled.
Why?.. the brake lever never goes all the way to the bars when using the brake ( normally ) and the master cylinder becomes 'polished' by the piston, the lever pulled all the way sends the piston into the end of the cyl. where it may not be smooth and could effect the piston seal..... anyway, put a length of clear tubing thats a snug fit over the bleed nipple on the brake caliper after first putting an 8mm wrench ( may be 10mm ) on the bleeder ready to open it. Drop the end of the tube into a container like a coffee can, and pour 1/2 " of brake fluid in the can to cover the end of the tube. Weigh the tube in the can to stop it jumping out of the fluid. Unscrew the m/c reservoir cap and then put a little pressure on the brake lever ( first ) then open the bleed nipple. Fluid will spurt out.
While holding the lever pulled, close the bleed screw, then release the lever. Repeat while topping-up the reservoir with clean fluid......eventually the new, clean fluid will appear in the bleed-tube...remember to always close the bleeder before releasing the lever each time.

[Inigo Montoya]

With the speed bleeder, you do not need to close all the time. That is where they speed things up.