LCGB Forums

Replaced old system with new master cylinder and caliper but can't get any compression on brake lever. When bleeding it appears that fluid is being pulled through the system with no air but just not getting tight at the lever. Any suggestions?

Although I have never bled a remote reservoir before, I have had times when I have pumped and pumped and pumped, and then suddenly it was done with virtually no warning.

Other people have recommended tying the lever back to the handbars and leaving it over night.

There are few subjects in motorcycling where as many people know a better way than everyone else than this one (try getting your head round that after 3 pints).

Anyway, I've had most success with "back bleeding". Push the caliper piston out, top up fluid, then SLOWLY push the caliper piston home. Have a cloth over the reservoir to stop oil squirting all over.

If you think about it, your trying to push air down. This way, your pushing it up. Someone showed me this a couple of years ago when i was doing an aprilia hydraulic clutch (really long awkward hose). I couldn't believe how easy it was.

Done it!!!

As Knowledge has said before, I went back out to garage pumped twice and traction??????!!!!!!. I have no idea what has happened, maybe an air bubble has released itself, but left it whilst I rebuilt mudguard and tried again and it's biting well!!

Off for a test ride now ....slowly!

Thanks for your help