Bleeding the bleedin' clutch.

CBRVFR · 05-24-2006, 9:47 PM

Carl, what were you just telling me about the pressure pop-off valve on the clutch side?

I cracked open a new container of brake fluid for the 954, and had a bunch left, which will go bad in about a day. I used a little more of it to re-bleed the SV brakes, and then I started looking for trouble, and found some. "Hey, I've never changed out the fluid in the hydraulic clutch reservoir on the VFR..." Famous last words.

My plan was to just pour the new **** in as I pumped out the old.. However, the damned reservoir (which was indicating low in the window) rose up and belched all over my paint, and by the time I got that dealt with, I lost the plot.

My manual refers to the "common manual" for clutch bleeding instructions - and I don't have one.

Can you help me out here?

Thanks

CBRVFR · 05-25-2006, 2:44 PM

No one to answer this?

maxib · 05-25-2006, 4:13 PM

CBRVFR, page 11-27 of the Common Service Manual states two methods.

1. Turn handlebars so reservoir is level
2. Place rags anywhere you don't want brake fluid
3. Remove reservoir cover, diaphragm cover and diaphragm
4. Connect a bleed hose to the bleed valve
5. Loosen the bleed valve and pump the clutch lever
6. Stop operating the lever when no fluid flows out of the bleed valve
7. Close the bleed valve
8. Fill the reservoir
9. Install the diaphragm and reservoir cover
10. Install and tighten the cover screws

Method #2
1-3 above
4. Connect the brake bleeder (drawing shows a Mighty Vac)
5. Pump the brake bleeder and loosen the bleed valve
6. Add fluid when the level is low in the master cylinder
7. Repeat until air bubbles do not appear in the bleed hose
7-10 above

Did you forget to crack the bleed valve before pumping the clutch?

Naw...you'd never do something like that now!

davef · 06-03-2006, 9:44 PM

When I did my RC's clutch it was a pain in the ass to get it firm again. I had to resort to a Mighty Vac. So I'd go with Maxib's method #2

CBRVFR · 06-03-2006, 9:51 PM

I did all of those things many times and it just felt weak. I kept testing it by putting it in first with the engine off and pushing it to see how much drag it had.

Finally, I started the engine to see how bad it really was and found that it had been working fine all along..

maxib · 06-03-2006, 10:53 PM

Well if we had known you had power brakes the answers would have been different. I suggest you let me and dave test your bike at Grattan to be certain.

gt702 · 06-05-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Carl, what were you just telling me about the pressure pop-off valve on the clutch side?

I didn't log in this weekend, so sorry I couldn't help earlier.

The clutch recirculates excess pressure to the reservoir, so you need to have this covered ... as I guess you found out.

Gentle pulls on the clutch lever is all it takes. Personally, I only use the Mity-Vac to rough in (get out the old stuff from the reservoir so I don't contaminate the new), and then use the tried and true method of pumping. The bleeder buddy tool works well with this since you don't have to be as quick with closing the bleeder screw. Also, adjusting the lever to have the longest pull seems to help.

Good luck.