Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
bleeding front brakes bleeding front brakes
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 36
bleeding front brakes
hello everyone
I have a 1984 xt 600. I bought a new front master cylinder. I have tryed to bleed it like I would on a car, pump it up, hold it, crack the bleeder and tighten it back up, done this over and over but I am not getting any pressure built up.
Is their a trick or something I need to do different on a bike?
thank you
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 May 2010
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 186
You need to open the bleeder then pump the lever fairly quickly(topping-up the fluid at the same time) until all the air is expelled from the bleeder, & then close the bleeder.
The way you were doing it was allowing the air to float/travel back up the hose after each time you closed the bleeder.
Being a new master cylinder you may have to bleed that first.
Bob
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 May 2010
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hey all!

If I recon well, when I last did this same thing what I did was open the master cylinder, put oil in it, squeezed the brake lever a a lot of times and kept topping up the oil until very little air came out over the top of opened master cylinder.

Only then did I went for the squeeze squeeze squeeze squeeze and keep squeezed and loosen the banjo on the brake caliper just a wee bit for air to come out and retighten it by hand....

I repeated this untill it streamed out some highspeed jets of oil a couple of times and tightened and assembled everything back together....


It's a very easy thing to do I guess..

Vando
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
The way its done is fill the master cylinder give a few pumps of the lever then open the bleed nipple pull the lever in slowly until it touches the bar hold it there and tighten the bleed nipple, repeat as needed. If you still have no luck after 5 minutes or so then acquire a syringe place a piece of tube on it and attach it to the bleed nipple draw the fluid through (dont forget to close the nipple if you have to push the syringe in) make sure you keep the fluid topped up. In the workshop we have a vacuum tool for the job but the syringe is cheaper and will do the same job (the bigger the syringe the better). Another tip is to push the pistons back in the calliper as this removes the space that air can fill.
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 May 2010
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
I normally suck the fluid through from the reservoir through the caliper using a large syring & battery breather tube, you just need to keep an on the fluid level in the reservoir unless you want to experience the brake bleeding equivalent of Groundhog Day........

Once bled, pump the lever a few times & cable tie (or similar) the lever back to the bar's and leave overnight. Any air trapped in the system will hopefull migrate to the highest point of the caliper i.e. the bleed nipple. Open the nipple, bleed the air & check fluid level again. I've sometimes sucked the fluid out of the reservoir with the syringe & pumped it back in to the caliper via the bleed nipple and up in to the nearly empty reservoir, taking any trapped air with the flow.

Don't push the pistons all the way back in to the caliper as there comes a point whereby there's not enough fluid behind the piston to move it (DAMHIK).
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 May 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
The best £40 you will EVER EVER spend.

Mityvac Brake Bleed Kit

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 178
another brake bleeding tool as ted says if your going to bleed brakes regularly it will be the best money you spend but as a one off go for the syringe

Tools
__________________
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 90
I have one of those hand operated kits for sale if anyone's interested. No longer need it since getting a compressor.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2010
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
I can't explain why this works, but it does. I've used it a few times on different bikes. Bleed as best you can using any or all of the above techniques then turn the bars so the master cylinder is as level as you can get it. Replace the cover loosely. Squeeze the brake lever and then hold it in with a zip tie or something similar. Leave it overnight and in the morning it should be fine as all the air gradually works its way up and escapes through the master cylinder.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 May 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 36
reply
hello everyone and thanks for your replys.
I went to my local autozone and asked about a bleeder kit.
they sold me OEM/One man brake bleeder kit :

AutoZone.com | Brake Bleeder

came home and follow the directions and it worked perfectly I now have front brakes.
thank you everyone
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Manchester
Posts: 150
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleyrider View Post
I can't explain why this works, but it does. I've used it a few times on different bikes. Bleed as best you can using any or all of the above techniques then turn the bars so the master cylinder is as level as you can get it. Replace the cover loosely. Squeeze the brake lever and then hold it in with a zip tie or something similar. Leave it overnight and in the morning it should be fine as all the air gradually works its way up and escapes through the master cylinder.
Yes I heard that tip a few year ago after having major problems trying to bleed a front brake, for some reason its nowhere near as easy as bleeding car brakes, this thread should deter anybody from disconnecting their hydraulic brakes if they dont really have to and havent done it before/tried to do it before.
__________________
Yamaha TT600RE 2004
Yamaha YZ250 2 stroke 99
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 May 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Springfield Missouri, USA
Posts: 1
zip tie
My first post, awesome site guys. I just put hand guards on my 84 Xt600 and loosened up the brake hose to a downward angle instead of straight out to get the guard mount on. In just the split second i lost the bleed in the system.

zip ties, duct tape and wd40 work miracles.
I left my brake lever zip tied down over night came back this morning pumped it twice and was as solid as ever.

It desperately needs the brake fluid changed, only one problem.

my master cylinder cap is stuck, i cant get either screw to turn. At least not with hand force and a standard #2 screwdriver. I suppose i will try a tap or two on it with a impact wrench. worst come to worst i will drill out the old heads of the screws and hopefully be able to grab the remains with pliers.

You guys have already saved me a huge headache and ideas on getting the cap unstuck?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 May 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by red440proxracer View Post
My first post, awesome site guys. I just put hand guards on my 84 Xt600 and loosened up the brake hose to a downward angle instead of straight out to get the guard mount on. In just the split second i lost the bleed in the system.

zip ties, duct tape and wd40 work miracles.
I left my brake lever zip tied down over night came back this morning pumped it twice and was as solid as ever.

It desperately needs the brake fluid changed, only one problem.

my master cylinder cap is stuck, i cant get either screw to turn. At least not with hand force and a standard #2 screwdriver. I suppose i will try a tap or two on it with a impact wrench. worst come to worst i will drill out the old heads of the screws and hopefully be able to grab the remains with pliers.

You guys have already saved me a huge headache and ideas on getting the cap unstuck?

Drill the heads off.... I've had to do this with countless old bikes i've worked on. The bolts are M4 (I think) so use a 3mm or 4mm drill bit nice and slowly just to take the head off the bolt. It will leave about 5mm of thread which 99% of the time, will come out with grips with no effort.

Loads of places keep the bolts in stock. Even if you have to order them in, they're only a couple of quid. Those bolts are screwed anyway, so they need replacing.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
AT front brakes locking? camnz Honda Tech 4 23 Jan 2009 21:14
Disk Brakes vs. Drum Brakes XT GIRL Yamaha Tech 19 26 Feb 2008 19:59
3AJ Front brakes upgrade goodwoodweirdo Yamaha Tech 4 8 Jul 2005 18:06
Bleeding brakes (1150 GS ABS) NorCal BMW Tech 4 15 Dec 2004 16:57
bleeding oil martync Yamaha Tech 5 28 Oct 2003 23:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top