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MAINTENANCE
General Maintenance
Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System
Air in the hydraulic brake system will cause a springy or spongy brake
lever action. Bleeding is necessary to remove air from the system.
1 Remove brake master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.
2 F ill the master cylinder reservoir to between the MIN and MAX
marks or 1/4-5/16″ (.6-.8 cm) below the lip of the reservoir opening.
Reinstall the gasket and cover.
3 Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the flow
of fluid into an approved container.
4 S queeze brake lever a full stroke. Then unscrew bleeder valve 3/4 of a
turn to release air.
5 C lose bleeder valve and release brake lever.
6 R epeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from the bleeder valve in a solid
stream free of air bubbles.
7 After bleeding is complete, refill the r eservoir to the proper level. See
Replenishing Brake Fluid on page 126.
8 R einstall the gasket and cover.
During the bleeding procedure, keep the brake handle in as level a
position as possible. The reservoir must be in this position to
minimize the possibility of air entering the system through the
reservoir vent.
Brake fluid will damage decals, paint, and some plastics. Wipe
up spills immediately.
CAUTION
Do not overfill the master cylinder. Fluid expansion may c ause
brakes to lock, resulting in serious injury or death.
WARNING