For those of you, like me, who have never changed out the brake fluid, I have a few tips/notes that I learned the hard way.
Most of you will probably laugh or hang your head, as these are all "Duh", things. But, to the person who has never done this before, it may be useful.
So, enough with the rambling; let's get to the points!
1. Change your fluids!!
I cant believe how much smoother the shifting has become with fresh new fluid. As a side note, changing the oil also makes a difference! (I change my oil regularly, it's just the brake fluid that did not get changed...in much too long). I'm not even going to put how many years... I mean, how long it's been like that.
2. Get a bleeder with a pump, adapter, and bottle/container. This is invaluable if you plan on doing this by yourself. Actually, I think it's the only way you can do it as a solo job. Even if you are not going to tackle it solo, it's nice to have that old brake fluid going into a container.
3. Watch the reservoir! If liquid is coming out of the bleeder and the reservoir is not going down...check the other one! (Yeah, I was that careless).
The point here is that the front tire has two bleeders. The upper one is tied in with the reservoir on the handle bars. The lower one is tied to the reservoir in the back. You'll have to remove the right side panel below the seat. Plenty of threads on that one.
4. Empty your container often, or at least between bleedings. As I got more proficient, I wasted less fluid. But, it's also good to have lots of new fluid go through the system.
5. Wear gloves! Your hands will thank you for the extra care. (Dont ask me how I know.)
6. My county recycles brake fluid. Do not mix with any other liquids like oil, etc. I used up most of the can I bought, and the old stuff went into the same can. (oh wait, but that's...wasteful!! why would you do that? Read on...)
7. While there was still some fluid left, it was not a lot, so it was minimally wasted. Also, always use brand new fluid. Keeping a used one for more than a few months is enough to spoil it. And, it's cheap! Plus, it's all going to the recycling place, remember?
Well, there you have it. Hopefully somebody finds it useful.
Most of you will probably laugh or hang your head, as these are all "Duh", things. But, to the person who has never done this before, it may be useful.
So, enough with the rambling; let's get to the points!
1. Change your fluids!!
I cant believe how much smoother the shifting has become with fresh new fluid. As a side note, changing the oil also makes a difference! (I change my oil regularly, it's just the brake fluid that did not get changed...in much too long). I'm not even going to put how many years... I mean, how long it's been like that.
2. Get a bleeder with a pump, adapter, and bottle/container. This is invaluable if you plan on doing this by yourself. Actually, I think it's the only way you can do it as a solo job. Even if you are not going to tackle it solo, it's nice to have that old brake fluid going into a container.
3. Watch the reservoir! If liquid is coming out of the bleeder and the reservoir is not going down...check the other one! (Yeah, I was that careless).
The point here is that the front tire has two bleeders. The upper one is tied in with the reservoir on the handle bars. The lower one is tied to the reservoir in the back. You'll have to remove the right side panel below the seat. Plenty of threads on that one.
4. Empty your container often, or at least between bleedings. As I got more proficient, I wasted less fluid. But, it's also good to have lots of new fluid go through the system.
5. Wear gloves! Your hands will thank you for the extra care. (Dont ask me how I know.)
6. My county recycles brake fluid. Do not mix with any other liquids like oil, etc. I used up most of the can I bought, and the old stuff went into the same can. (oh wait, but that's...wasteful!! why would you do that? Read on...)
7. While there was still some fluid left, it was not a lot, so it was minimally wasted. Also, always use brand new fluid. Keeping a used one for more than a few months is enough to spoil it. And, it's cheap! Plus, it's all going to the recycling place, remember?
Well, there you have it. Hopefully somebody finds it useful.
