Bleeding brakes after new pads

[zubz]

I just got new pads for my gs450 front brake. When i put them in I had to compress the piston so they would fit on the rotor. While i was replacing them I messed with the banjo bolt near the reservoir, introducing quite a bit of air into the system. Now I'm trying to bleed the brakes, but i pump and pump and nothing happens, the brake fluid level doesn't drop. There is a small amount of liquid (about 2 inches) in the tube near the nipple that moves back an forth when I squeeze the brake lever with the nipple open. The pads show no progress in getting any closer to the rotor. Is there anything i am missing? Do i need a vacuum pump?

[cowboyup3371]

How about telling us what maintenance you have done to the brake system. Did you clean and rebuild the MC? If so, did you ensure that return port (real small, almost can't see it) is open by sticking a small wire through there? What are the lines like? Are they the old rubber or did you replace them with SS lines? Have you rebuilt the calipers and ensured all the gunk was cleaned out?

Check out Basscliff's page for more brake information http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[zubz]

Now i feel really bad, I haven't done any of that stuff. I just kept pumping for a while and now the brakes feel as they should, a little soft maybe. I put a zip tie on the lever to get any residual air out

[jwhelan65]

You may want to flush the lines at some point or replace the them all together.

[1980GS1000E]

You need to bleed the brakes by applying the lever, opening the bleeder screw just a bit until the lever drops and then close the screw before the lever travels the full distance. Repeat this as often as needed and replenish brake fluid as it will drop with each cycle.