Ever felt that your Harley’s brakes just aren’t as responsive as they should be? You’re not alone. Many riders experience spongy brake feel after maintenance or a fluid change. It can be frustrating, especially when you rely on those brakes for a smooth and safe ride.
Key Takeaways
- Necessary Tools: Gather essential tools such as brake fluid (DOT 4 or DOT 5.1), a brake bleeder kit, an 8mm wrench, and a catch bottle for a successful bleeding process.
- Safety First: Always wear protective gear, park on a flat surface, and remove the ignition key to prevent accidental starting during the procedure.
- Step-by-Step Process: Follow a systematic approach by accessing the brake system, applying brake fluid, and ensuring you pump the brake lever to expel air effectively.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid pitfalls like neglecting fluid levels, using incorrect fluid types, and skipping essential pumping steps that can lead to air trapped in the brake lines.
- Final Testing: After bleeding the brakes, test the brake response to confirm successful air removal, aiming for a firm lever feel.
Tools Needed for Bleeding Brakes
Gather these tools to ensure a smooth brake bleeding process:
- Brake Fluid: Use the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Common types include DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.
- Brake Bleeder Kit: A kit simplifies the process. It usually includes a vacuum pump and tubing for easy fluid removal.
- Wrenches: An 8mm wrench works for most Harley brake bleeder valves.
- Catch Bottle: This collects old brake fluid. Ensure it’s clean and holds enough volume to prevent spills.
- Shop Towels: Use these to clean any spills or drips during the process.
- Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from brake fluid, which can damage skin and surfaces.
- Clear Plastic Tubing: This fits over the bleeder screw, allowing for better monitoring of fluid flow.
Ensure all tools are ready before starting. This preparation helps maintain efficiency and reduces hassle during the procedure.
Preparing Your Harley Davidson
Preparation is crucial before bleeding brakes on your Harley Davidson. Following these steps ensures a safer and more effective process.
Safety Precautions
- Wear protective gear, including gloves and eyewear, to avoid contact with brake fluid.
- Park your motorcycle on a flat surface to prevent it from moving during the procedure.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key to eliminate the risk of accidental start-up.
- Use wheel chocks or a kickstand to secure the bike further.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, as brake fluid is flammable.
- Manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid for compatibility.
- Brake bleeder kit to simplify fluid removal and air evacuation.
- Wrenches suitable for the bleeder valve on your brake calipers.
- Catch bottle to collect old brake fluid and prevent spills.
- Shop towels for cleaning and wiping surfaces.
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands from brake fluid.
- Clear plastic tubing that fits snugly over the bleeder valve for accurate fluid flow.
Gathering all necessary equipment and adhering to safety precautions sets the stage for a successful brake bleeding process on your Harley Davidson.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bleeding Brakes
Follow these clear steps to ensure your Harley Davidson’s brake system operates smoothly and safely.
Accessing the Brake System
- Locate the brake master cylinder on your Harley. Most models place it near the handlebars or foot controls.
- Remove the plastic cover carefully to avoid breaking any clips.
- Inspect the brake fluid level. If it’s low, add the manufacturer’s recommended fluid before proceeding.
- Secure your bike on a flat surface. Use wheel chocks to prevent movement during the process.
Applying Brake Fluid
- Attach the clear plastic tubing from your brake bleeder kit to the bleeder valve on the brake caliper.
- Ensure the other end of the tubing leads into a catch bottle. This collects old fluid and air bubbles during the process.
- Open the bleeder valve slightly using an appropriate wrench. This allows fluid to flow out of the caliper.
- Pump the brake lever or pedal several times. This movement pushes the fluid through the system and helps expel trapped air.
- Close the bleeder valve after pumping to prevent air from re-entering the system.
- Check for air bubbles in the clear tubing. If present, repeat the pumping and bleeding process until no bubbles appear.
- Monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder. Maintain the appropriate fluid level throughout the process to avoid introducing more air.
- Once no bubbles are visible, tighten the bleeder valve securely.
- Remove the tubing and catch bottle. Clean any spilled fluid with shop towels.
- Replace the cover on the brake master cylinder, ensuring it’s secure.
These steps ensure you effectively bleed the brakes on your Harley Davidson, maintaining optimal performance and safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes while bleeding brakes on your Harley Davidson ensures a smoother and safer process. Here are key pitfalls to watch for:
- Neglecting to Check Fluid Level: Always check the brake fluid reservoir before starting. If the fluid is low, air can enter the system during bleeding.
- Using Incorrect Fluid: Use only the brake fluid specified in your owner’s manual. Different types can damage brake components.
- Skipping Brake Lever Pumps: Remember to pump the brake lever firmly while bleeding. Skipping this step can leave air trapped in the lines.
- Ignoring the Bleed Valve Order: Bleed the brake lines in the correct order. Always start with the brake furthest from the master cylinder to ensure effective air removal.
- Insufficient Cleaning: Clean around the bleeder valve before opening it. Dirt and debris can contaminate your brake system and affect performance.
- Not Watching for Air Bubbles: Keep an eye on the tubing while bleeding. Air bubbles indicate that air remains in the system, hindering brake function.
- Forgetting to Keep the Reservoir Covered: Always cover the reservoir during the bleeding process. Exposure to air can introduce moisture and contaminants into the fluid.
- Failing to Test After Bleeding: Test the brakes after the process. A firm lever feel confirms successful bleeding, while a spongy feel indicates more air may be present.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you ensure a successful brake bleeding process on your Harley Davidson.
Conclusion
Bleeding your Harley’s brakes doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a little patience you can restore that firm feel you love. Remember to take your time and double-check each step to avoid common mistakes.
Once you’ve finished bleeding the brakes make sure to test them out before hitting the road. You’ll feel more confident knowing your brakes are in top shape. Enjoy the ride and stay safe out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a spongy brake feel on a Harley Davidson?
A spongy brake feel often occurs after maintenance or fluid changes due to trapped air in the brake lines or old, contaminated fluid. Proper bleeding can restore brake responsiveness and performance.
What tools do I need to bleed brakes on my Harley?
Essential tools include a brake bleeder kit, manufacturer-recommended brake fluid, wrenches, a catch bottle, shop towels, rubber gloves, and clear plastic tubing for effective bleeding.
What are common mistakes when bleeding Harley brakes?
Common mistakes include neglecting the fluid level, using the wrong fluid type, skipping brake lever pumps, ignoring bleed valve order, and not watching for air bubbles during the process.
How can I avoid air bubbles when bleeding brakes?
To avoid air bubbles, ensure proper technique by repeatedly pumping the brake lever, keeping the reservoir covered, and thoroughly checking for air during the bleeding process.
Why is it important to test brakes after bleeding?
Testing the brakes after bleeding ensures that they are responsive and functioning correctly, allowing you to identify any issues before riding, which is crucial for optimal safety.
