What do you need to know about bleeding ABS brakes?

What do you need to know about bleeding ABS brakes?

Here’s what you need to know about Bleeding ABS brakes. ABS systems are VERY sensitive to air bubbles. You know that air rises in the system. Once a bubble gets into the ABS valves, it’s almost impossible to suck it back down even with a hand-held vacuum pump. It’s definitely impossible to do it just by pumping the brake pedal.

Why is my abs not working on my Harley Davidson?

The moisture will eventually contaminate the internals of the ABS modulator. When this occurs, the front or rear brake lever becomes rock hard and actual brake function is nonexistent. There are countless vehicles on the road, other than Harley Davidson, that utilize ABS systems and Dot 4 brake fluid.

Is there a recall on a Harley ABS modulator?

If HD has not yet engineered and manufactured a correct Harley ABS modulator to replace the failing unit, it might be good business to change brake fluid for free until a recall can be issued and a replacement unit can be installed. That is, obviously, just our opinion. All that being said; we’ve been increasingly busy repairing this ABS issue.

Are there any other vehicles that use ABS?

There are countless vehicles on the road, other than Harley Davidson, that utilize ABS systems and Dot 4 brake fluid. It is unsettling to us why Harley Davidson is, seemingly, the only vehicle manufacturer failing in this area.

Here’s what you need to know about Bleeding ABS brakes. ABS systems are VERY sensitive to air bubbles. You know that air rises in the system. Once a bubble gets into the ABS valves, it’s almost impossible to suck it back down even with a hand-held vacuum pump. It’s definitely impossible to do it just by pumping the brake pedal.

The moisture will eventually contaminate the internals of the ABS modulator. When this occurs, the front or rear brake lever becomes rock hard and actual brake function is nonexistent. There are countless vehicles on the road, other than Harley Davidson, that utilize ABS systems and Dot 4 brake fluid.

Why are my ABS brakes not working properly?

Since the work involves only the highest point of the braking system , surely any air would rise into the fluid reservoir , in which I would hope to retain enough fluid to prevent air entering the system. The piston / seals were replaced last year due to the brake light staying on after the lever was released.

Can a soft pedal be used with ABS activated bleeding?

But many vehicles require the ABS activated bleeding procedure or you end up with a soft pedal. If your going to try bleeding only the master cylinder it may be best to have a helper doing the lever, a bucket hanging below the connection, the bike draped with wet blankets to protect it from splatter.

What’s the best way to bleed a brake line?

Another type of vacuum setup uses compressed air and a venturi to draw brake fluid and air out at the bleed screw. This system can create the same bubbles in the line issue as the hand-operated unit, as the venturi-type bleeder gets the job done about the same way.

What happens when you remove bleed screw from brake system?

It’s not uncommon to damage the bleed screw when removing, causing it to leak and allow air into the brake system. This is often where a simple brake bleed job goes t**s up. If the bleed screw (aka bleed nipple) shears off, or allows air into the system, you can’t drive your car.

Which is the best pressure tank brake bleeder?

Some consider the pressure tank brake bleeder the very best there is. When you absolutely, positively want to push every last molecule of air and rotten brake fluid out of the system, accept no substitutes. The Motive unit shown here is one of many, but the concept is the same.