I finally decided to install the Speed Bleeders, that I bought for my first 2007 TBA but was never able to install them as they arrived while I was in the hospital recovering from my accident (April 2008).
So I pulled out the instructions and removed the front bleed screw to install the Speed Bleeder. Well...trickle...trickle out comes brake fluid (this wasn't mentioned in the procedure). I install the Speed Bleeder and tighten things up.
Did the same to the rear brakes and had no fluid leak out, during the swap, and the brakes seem to work. I haven't tested the Speed Bleeder on the rear yet.
I removed the reservoir cover and stuff to find it empty ! I filled it and tried to use the Speed Bleeder, with no effect.
My neighbor the mechanic (He also rides) came over tonight to help me out and suggested we swap out the Speed Bleeder for the original screw. We did this and then started to gravity bleed the front brakes. Went through almost half a bottle before deciding that something is still not right. Several times, we'd close the bleed screw and try the brakes and nothing. I did notice, after he went home, that when I did operate the handle, some bubbles would come up out into the reservoir from the "hole on the right" (It looks like it's got a little white plastic piece - reed valve or something ?).
I did a little reading here last night and it seems gravity bleeds don't seem to really work. So I'm debating on getting a vacuum pump like
this one at Harbour Freight.
My neighbor is wondering if the master cylinder got messed up when it drained, since we were never able to get any pressure. I'm hoping this isn't the case.
Any suggestions ? I'm really bummed. Tomorrow will be sunny and temps in low 60's (15-17 deg C) and I wanted to take her out for a ride.
Thanks in advance.
Steve
