Bleeding front brakes

Stag · May 6th, 2007, 08:12 PM

Can some one give me a quick primer on how to bleed my front brakes? I would apppreciate it.

Seems, once again there was a part my dealer forgot to really tighten correctly.

For those who don't know I have an 07 Brute that has had a couple of assembly rellated issues. Day one was cute - I went for my first ride and the handlebars felt sloppy all of a sudden. I stop and discover the dealer neglected to tighten the 4 bolts holding the bars in place. Next was the cross threaded front diff drain bolt. Then after advice from many at Highlifter, they recommended I go through my bike and check EVERYTHING. Well I did, or I thought I did. I never ever dreamed that a brake line would come loose and come out of the caliper.

Imagine my surprise when I reached for the front brake lever and there was no pressure behind it, especially when out on a trail that required a little extra braking at that point.

My advice to anyone is never presume your dealer bolted your bike together correctly--you could get hurt. I am pulling the plastics and not riding the bike until I recheck every single thing I can think of. Plus, while the skins are off I cann throw on some mods...

Boloiii · May 6th, 2007, 09:44 PM

Got an extra set of hands?
Take the resivour cover off and make sure it is full of fluid.
Easiest if you also remove tires.
If you have some, a short piece of tube or hose the fits on nipple of bleeder down into a bottle will keep the mess down.
With extra hand, pump handle a few times and then hold some pressure on handle.
Now open bleeder on brake caliper slowly and then retighten.
Repeat this until no more air comes out.
Keep an eye on the level in the resivior so it does not run empty.

Stag · May 7th, 2007, 05:46 PM

Thanks boloiii, I appreciate it.

gardingh · October 26th, 2007, 01:30 PM

This just happened to me on tuesday. Left hand brake line came loose and lost all my fluid. I should have checked to make sure they were tight. Anyway I bought a little brake bleeder bottle that is designed to catch the fluid when you bleed the brakes off. Has a magnet on it to keep it upright as well. Got it from Princess Auto ($2.99) for those of you in Canada.