How to Bleed Dirt Bike Brakes

How to Bleed Dirt Bike Brakes
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How to Bleed Dirt Bike Brakes – How well do you know your dirt bike brakes? It is one thing to know when to upgrade the brakes or change the brake pads, but do you know how to bleed them? What is bleeding dirt bike brakes? It involves purging air bubbles from a hydraulic system while simultaneously replacing the existing brake fluid. Bleeding your dirt bike is one of many ways to maintain your dirt bike brakes but why is it so important?

Bleeding brakes is a crucial maintenance task for dirt bikes as it enhances overall performance and safety. It improves brake responsiveness by removing air bubbles that can make the brakes feel spongy and unreliable, possibly leading to brake failure. Bleeding also allows for checking and removing any debris or contaminants in the brake system, preventing them from affecting performance and compromising safety. In summary, the simple process of bleeding brakes significantly contributes to keeping dirt bike brakes in optimal working condition.

What Tools You’ll Need

Before bleeding the rear brakes on your dirt bike, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials. Ensure you have a clean, level surface for the procedure. Additionally, have brake fluid and other required fluids on hand. Equip yourself with a rubber hose or clear plastic tube, ensuring it’s not kinking and fits over the bleeder nipple. Choose a size one step smaller than the cable’s outside diameter for hydraulic brake systems.

A wrench or pliers are necessary to turn the bleeder valve, and keep some paper towels and a rag nearby for cleaning spills. Prioritize safety by wearing gloves and glasses, and have a bucket ready to hold the waste fluid during the process. Being well-prepared with these materials ensures a smoother and more effective rear brake bleeding experience for your dirt bike.

How to Bleed Dirt Bike Brakes: The Process

Step 1

To initiate the process of bleeding the front brakes on a dirt bike, start by removing the brake fluid reservoir cap located underneath the bike’s seat. This step is crucial as it grants access to the brake fluid reservoir, facilitating the removal of excess air within the braking system.

By doing so, the procedure helps prevent the over-tightening of caliper pistons, especially in the case of old, dirty, or corroded components when they are pushed back into their bores. This simple yet essential step ensures a smoother and more effective brake maintenance process for optimal dirt bike performance.

Step 2

In the second step of the brake bleeding process for a dirt bike, it’s essential to remove the brake caliper mounting bolts. Utilize a 15-millimeter wrench to loosen the bolts in a diagonal pattern, turning each bolt approximately an inch to free it from its threads without risking damage.

After loosening all four bolts, gently pull back on both calipers, typically by hand, while simultaneously lifting the handlebars at chest level with one arm. This action will result in the complete detachment of the calipers from their mountings, allowing for further inspection and maintenance as needed.

Step 3

In the third step of bleeding the front brakes on a dirt bike, use needle-nose pliers to remove hose clamps if your bike has them. Older bikes may have bleeders with hose clamps that can be loosened with needle-nose pliers.

Alternatively, some bikes have piston plugs that need to be unscrewed with an Allen wrench or ratchet handle before brake fluid can flow freely. Knowing your bike’s braking system ensures you perform this step correctly for effective bleeding and brake maintenance.

Step 4

In the fourth step of the dirt bike front brake bleeding process, after removing the hose clamps, use a container for brake fluid (a tall glass jar is suitable). Insert one end of the rubber tube into the container and push it through until air bubbles emerge from inside the caliper bores.

As this occurs, gently squeeze the brake lever to increase pressure while simultaneously pressing down on both pistons with two fingers. This action effectively forces any remaining air and brake fluid back through the hose, ensuring a thorough bleeding process for optimal brake performance on your dirt bike.

Step 5

In the fifth step of the dirt bike front brake bleeding procedure, after successfully bleeding all the brakes, it’s crucial to tighten both hose clamp screws before resuming riding. This precaution prevents potential leaks when pressure builds up during braking.

Moreover, tightening the hose clamps can save time in the future, particularly if bleed valves need to be opened due to the introduction of air into the brake lines. Ensuring the proper tightening of these components contributes to the overall effectiveness and safety of the braking system on your dirt bike.

Step 6

After finishing the front brake bleeding on your dirt bike, the last step is to check for air leaks by going through the process in reverse. If you find a leak, especially in a damaged hose, replace it immediately to avoid compromising your safety while riding. Check all clamps before restarting your bike to prevent leaks when stopped at a light with pressure from braking. This check is crucial as it can save time later if bleed valves need opening due to air getting into the brake lines.

How to Bleed Dirt Bike Brakes: FAQs

Q. How frequently should I bleed my dirt bike brakes?

A. It’s advisable to bleed your dirt bike brakes at least once a year, or more if you ride frequently or in wet conditions.

Q. Can I use any brake fluid for my dirt bike?

A. No, you should use the brake fluid specified by your bike’s manufacturer. Using the wrong type can damage the brake system.

Q. What should I do if I lack confidence in bleeding my bike’s brakes?

A. If you’re unsure about bleeding your bike’s brakes, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic who can handle the task for you.

Conclusion

Overall, to keep dirt bike brakes working well, perform brake bleeding. Use tools like a clear hose, recommended brake fluid, and a size eight tool. Fill the brake system, pump brakes, release the nipple to remove fluid and bubbles, and repeat until brakes improve. Keep an eye on brake fluid, clear bubbles, top up carefully, and test for better performance.

If you want to learn more maintenance tips for your dirt bike, you can learn how to change your dirt bike tire or fix a radiator leak. Aside from this, you can learn things like why your bike makes so much noise and how to work the clutch. Or if you want to learn some basics, you can learn how to kickstart your bike.

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