QuestionI just put new pads on the front of my bike for the first time. SAving money you know. I am having trouble bleeding the brakes. The pistons are all the way back and the resevoir is full, but no luck. Any quick tips?
2000 Suzuki 800 Intruder
AnswerHi Robert.
Bleeding brakes, as you know, is not a complicated thing and it works to get air bubbles out of the line.
But, here's the part they don't tell you (which is also not mentioned in any repair manual;
Some bikes have an additional problem with both the clutch and front brakes, including the entire Intruder series as well as my Honda V65 Magna.
The problem stems from the configuration of the master cylinder, which is that the connection (at the banjo fitting) to the hydraulic line at the master cylinder creates a pocket that air bubbles like to hide in (this is called a reverse trap) and the method for bleeding that section is a little tricky if you've never done it before.
Here's the proceedure;
1) Bleed the clutch/brake line like normal.
2) Put a wrench on the banjo fitting and squeeze the lever.
3) (NOTE: Use a box end wrench for this) While holding the clutch/brake lever in, crack loose the fitting and reclose it quickly. Have a rag over the fitting connection that you are working on because it will spit at you as pressure expells the air and a little fluid.
<<<<<<<IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT release pressure on the lever till the fitting is tightened back up or you will suck air back into the line.>>>>>>>
4) Test the clutch/brake again. If done correctly, you will have pressure at or near the beginning of the lever movement rather than at the end.
5) Repeat as needed, but you should not need more than 2-3 times to get the system working correctly.
Good luck.
FALCON
