How to Bleed Front Brake - XR650R?

[DualSport650]

All the sudden front brake doesn't work. I pull the lever back all the way to the handlebar and NO front brakes! I gotta get it fixed so I can ride!

I have no manual on hand, so what's the filling/bleeding procedure?

I'll give it a whirl, let me know if I've got it right...

1) Open reservior at the lever

2) Fill with brake fluid (DOT 5?)

3) Close reservior / Tighten screws

4) Open little valve down at the caliper

5) Squeeze brake lever until all air is expelled

6) Close little valve down at the caliper

7) Test the brake

8) RIDE!

How'd I do for just wingin' it?

[BWB63]

You need to press the brake lever "Open little valve down at the caliper" letting the air out, while the lever is still pressed in, close the " little valve down at the caliper" Then let the brake lever out. Do this till no-more air comes out. It is much easier with a brake bleader tube. You need to keep the reservior close to full while you do this. The way you did it you pumped more air into the caliper.

[frankstr]

I use a vacum pump, Much easier and faster....TMHO...

[Old_Man_Time]

I use a vacum pump, Much easier and faster....TMHO...

Yep the vacum pump is the easiest. My honda shop lets me borrow their vacum pump and I finish the job in nothing flat. Nice hard brakes everytime. ?

[DualSport650]

Easy!

I don't have a vacuum pump handy so I'll use Bruce's technique.

[targetdrone]

Don't put on the resevoir cap until you are done. Grab and hold the lever. Loosen bleed bolt, tighten bleed bolt. Release lever. Repeat as much as needed until your brake has the proper feel. Don't let the fluid level in the resevoir get low enough to allow the master cylinder to suck air. Refill to proper level and replace cap.

Make sure you put a small hose, preferably clear on the bleed bolt and have it drain into a catch can while you do this. Brake fluid is nasty to many surfaces.

[DualSport650]

Roger wilco targetdrone.

I've actually done this procedure, but it was YEARS AGO when I had my XR600. I think I'll git me some brake fluid tomorrow and fixer 'er up!

[targetdrone]

A quick addendum: If the fluid coming out looks nasty, (another reason to use a clear hose) keep bleeding until it comes out looking clear, or at least reletively non-contaminated.

[Max Power]

All the sudden front brake doesn't work. I pull the lever back all the way to the handlebar and NO front brakes! I gotta get it fixed so I can ride!

I have no manual on hand, so what's the filling/bleeding procedure?

I'll give it a whirl, let me know if I've got it right...

1) Open reservior at the lever

2) Fill with brake fluid (DOT 5?)

3) Close reservior / Tighten screws

4) Open little valve down at the caliper

5) Squeeze brake lever until all air is expelled

6) Close little valve down at the caliper

7) Test the brake

8) RIDE!

How'd I do for just wingin' it?

Pure Genius. ?

[DualSport650]

My momma didn't raise no dummies.

Actually she did because I just stripped out the first damn screw I tried to loosen. One of the reservior cap screws. ?

Now I gotta go to the friggin' hardware store and get one of those stripped bolt taker outer tools.

[TimBrp]

An easy out is what you need. I use the vacuum pump. Works great. Try filling and bleeding steel lines the "old" way. Not gonna happen.

[DualSport650]

OK, I'm game.

Where do I get a "vacuum pump"? The local auto parts store?

[oldturtle]

I am sure the brakes can use all new fluid as suggested. However be sure and check that the adjustment screw on lever has not loosened up and is causing the problem. This would be first thing to check. Just don't ask how I know this.

[DualSport650]

Yeah, that would suck.

My adjuster is all the way IN. Time for some brake work!