cudaosix wrote:
Nate, just so I understand. You opened the valve then squeezed the lever, held it closed then closed the bleed valve and let go of the lever? Reading my Clymer I understood it said to first squeeze the lever and hold it closed then open the valve. Once some of the fluid comes through close the valve then let go of the lever. Or does it not really make a differance? Does it not matter if you open the bleeder valve without sqeezing the brake lever?
You'll get somewhat coordinated with it after a few tries as to how it feels. By the time I was done I was probably opening the bleed valve as I was beginning to squeeze the lever. To get the air out quicker I would have the bleeder open through the entire lever stroke. The bleeder needs to be closed snugly (hence my use of the wrench) before the lever is released so the fluid will be drawn from the reservior and not the container on the floor.
The Clymer also said to empty the line first then add new fluid and bleed. I wanted to just squeeze out some of the old fluid and go adding new fluid into the reservior until what comes out of the line at the caliper was clean. Would it work fine doing it that way instead of draining the old fluid first? It also said to install the reservior cap while doing this. Can I just leave it off while I bleed the brakes?
I think you would be better off to simply do as you've planned. Maybe suck out most of the old fluid out of the reservior with a syringe and then be sure that plenty of fluid is kept in the reservior so air is not drawn into the system. Pump it through until it's clear and maybe a little more for good measure.
As for the reservior cap, you'll be adding fluid too often to remove it and reinstall it that much. Plus, you need to be able to easily see the fluid level so air doesn't enter the system (do you get the impression that everything is done to avoid air at all costs?).
Once you do it, you'll find it's not that bad. Right now I'm working through setting the valve clearances on the 650B. Like brake bleeding and fork seal replacement, the second will be easier than the first.
- Nate >>