Greetings all. First up, apologies for the long intro and explanation, but I wanted some advice on the iABS (Integrated ABS) on my 2004 R1150RT, with 50,000 miles. Advice on the method I've used and what to do next much appreciated...
The problem is that as I attempt to do the ABS Brake Bleed on the front (after completing the rear) - I have bubbles in the Bleed/Flush Funnel !! If you are intrigued, or want to offer advice, please read on and let me know what you think...
I recently went to go for a ride, getting ready for a longer trip and my Brake warning lights came on, both of them!! I wasn't far from home, and pulled over and did the usual start sequence. After a mile, same thing. Not wanting to tempt fate, I repeated this exercise as I slowly made my way home.
After reading these forums, and as it was due a service, and had been sitting for a while, I figured I would follow the instructions (here and elsewhere) on bleeding the brakes and changing the fluids (it has been about 3 - 4 years since last done, and hardly any miles (for a number of reasons) have been put on the bike in the 3 - 4 years.
So after a visit to the Boneyard, I bought the Servo Assist Brake Bleed/Flush Funnel Tool, and some other stuff to do a full service (4 x spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, engine oil, gear oil, alternator drive belt, etc.. I had a few things to help with the actual bleeding (the tubing, non-return valve, and a reservoir).
After removing the fairing and gas tank, even though I had both warning lights - the service on the rear ABS brake bleeding went just as it should. (Note: This was just the ABS Brake bleed, not the the Control Circuits, I was going to do those after completing the Front ABS Brake Bleed...)
So, onto the front ABS Brake bleed. After removing the left & right front brake calipers, removing the pads, inserting suitable wooden blocks against the pistons, I was ready!! I installed the the brake bleed kit (with non-return valve and some fluid in it) onto the still closed left bleed valve.... On the ABS unit I removed the front ABS Brake screw and inserted the funnel in place.
Now the fun begins... After I poured in the Dot 4 Brake fluid and turned on the ignition - I noticed Bubbles!! These carried on for a bit, so I turned the ignition off... When they stopped, and I turned on the ignition and squeezed the front brake lever - more bubbles... This carried on for a while. I eventually figured - what the heck, why not open the brake bleeder and see if bubble come out there and that might help speed up the process.
The result was pretty much the same, Very slow, small amounts of fluid coming out, and occasionally a few small bubbles (I could se the fluid moving slowly, and the bubble moving slightly more rapidly). I was not sure if the bubble were from the ABS unit, or possible leaking in from the threads of the bleed valve. The fluid in the funnel eventually drained lower, to the point where I could remove the funnel
Then, with it sealed again, I removed my bleed tube from the bleed valve, and put some PVC tape (plumbers tape) around the valve threads, put it back in, and repeated the process. same result. Slow steady stream of bubble appearing in the funnel, occasional bubbles in the tube up to the non-return valve after opening the valve. I think there might still be some air getting in through the tape and threads causing those bubbles.
The brake fluid coming out (albeit slowly) is dark, and showing it's age...
Other symptoms to note: The "General" warning light (lower red light) is occasionally off after a few seconds (as it should be), and most of the time has stayed on. The ABS Warning Light (top red light) is flashing rapidly (around 4 times a second...). The Servo's do not start making noise until the front brake lever is squeezed. Then they run continuously, until the ignition is turned off, and I repeat the cycle all over again. Upon starting again, the servos are not running, until I squeeze...
Other than a new/replacement ABS unit, I was thinking of getting a new fully charged battery (current one is showing and holding a full charge but is about 5 years old). I have not checked any relays or fuses, but everything is working (lights, horn, turn signals, starter motor...). The brake lines are all original, and might benefit from being replaced by a set of Spiegler brake lines.
I have just ordered the full set of Speed Bleeder valves for my year and model. Once these are installed, I would expect that I will have removed the possibility of air getting back into the ABS/Brake lines, or showing up in the pipe to the non-return valve.
If you have read this far - any thoughts or suggestions would be most gratefully (and gracefully) received. Cheers, Adrian
PS: I've tried adding Image(s) below show my setup...
The problem is that as I attempt to do the ABS Brake Bleed on the front (after completing the rear) - I have bubbles in the Bleed/Flush Funnel !! If you are intrigued, or want to offer advice, please read on and let me know what you think...
I recently went to go for a ride, getting ready for a longer trip and my Brake warning lights came on, both of them!! I wasn't far from home, and pulled over and did the usual start sequence. After a mile, same thing. Not wanting to tempt fate, I repeated this exercise as I slowly made my way home.
After reading these forums, and as it was due a service, and had been sitting for a while, I figured I would follow the instructions (here and elsewhere) on bleeding the brakes and changing the fluids (it has been about 3 - 4 years since last done, and hardly any miles (for a number of reasons) have been put on the bike in the 3 - 4 years.
So after a visit to the Boneyard, I bought the Servo Assist Brake Bleed/Flush Funnel Tool, and some other stuff to do a full service (4 x spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, engine oil, gear oil, alternator drive belt, etc.. I had a few things to help with the actual bleeding (the tubing, non-return valve, and a reservoir).
After removing the fairing and gas tank, even though I had both warning lights - the service on the rear ABS brake bleeding went just as it should. (Note: This was just the ABS Brake bleed, not the the Control Circuits, I was going to do those after completing the Front ABS Brake Bleed...)
So, onto the front ABS Brake bleed. After removing the left & right front brake calipers, removing the pads, inserting suitable wooden blocks against the pistons, I was ready!! I installed the the brake bleed kit (with non-return valve and some fluid in it) onto the still closed left bleed valve.... On the ABS unit I removed the front ABS Brake screw and inserted the funnel in place.
Now the fun begins... After I poured in the Dot 4 Brake fluid and turned on the ignition - I noticed Bubbles!! These carried on for a bit, so I turned the ignition off... When they stopped, and I turned on the ignition and squeezed the front brake lever - more bubbles... This carried on for a while. I eventually figured - what the heck, why not open the brake bleeder and see if bubble come out there and that might help speed up the process.
The result was pretty much the same, Very slow, small amounts of fluid coming out, and occasionally a few small bubbles (I could se the fluid moving slowly, and the bubble moving slightly more rapidly). I was not sure if the bubble were from the ABS unit, or possible leaking in from the threads of the bleed valve. The fluid in the funnel eventually drained lower, to the point where I could remove the funnel
Then, with it sealed again, I removed my bleed tube from the bleed valve, and put some PVC tape (plumbers tape) around the valve threads, put it back in, and repeated the process. same result. Slow steady stream of bubble appearing in the funnel, occasional bubbles in the tube up to the non-return valve after opening the valve. I think there might still be some air getting in through the tape and threads causing those bubbles.
The brake fluid coming out (albeit slowly) is dark, and showing it's age...
Other symptoms to note: The "General" warning light (lower red light) is occasionally off after a few seconds (as it should be), and most of the time has stayed on. The ABS Warning Light (top red light) is flashing rapidly (around 4 times a second...). The Servo's do not start making noise until the front brake lever is squeezed. Then they run continuously, until the ignition is turned off, and I repeat the cycle all over again. Upon starting again, the servos are not running, until I squeeze...
Other than a new/replacement ABS unit, I was thinking of getting a new fully charged battery (current one is showing and holding a full charge but is about 5 years old). I have not checked any relays or fuses, but everything is working (lights, horn, turn signals, starter motor...). The brake lines are all original, and might benefit from being replaced by a set of Spiegler brake lines.
I have just ordered the full set of Speed Bleeder valves for my year and model. Once these are installed, I would expect that I will have removed the possibility of air getting back into the ABS/Brake lines, or showing up in the pipe to the non-return valve.
If you have read this far - any thoughts or suggestions would be most gratefully (and gracefully) received. Cheers, Adrian
PS: I've tried adding Image(s) below show my setup...
