Craftsman 20930 Operator's Manual

Contents

MOTORCYCLE BLEEDING PROCEDUREBefore bleeding the system, ensure that:1) The brake caliper pistons are free to movewithin the calipers.2) The master cylinder piston is free to return tothe end of its stroke, and3) Inspect the line to ensure that all fittings are tight.FRONT BRAKE1) Pump brake lever to seat caliper padsagainst rotor.2) Cover gas tank with plastic protective sheetif using DOT 3 fluid (not necessary if usingDOT 5 fluid).3) Remove master cylinder reservoir cap andfill reservoir.4) Select the appropriate adapter(s). The L-shapeduniversal adapters should fit snugly over the brakebleeding fitting in order to seal properly. Thetapered adapters fit inside the thru-hole of fittingand will generally seal well when inserted tightlywith a pressing and twisting motion. Attach adapterto reservoir hose.5) Pump several times to create vacuum. Crackbleeder valve with box wrench, extracting fluid intoreservoir. (Stop and add fluid when master cylinderbegins to get low. Do not allow air to enter line.).At this point, all air should be out of system and linefull of fluid. (Note: if air is entering the pump hosefrom around bleeder fitting, remove bleeder fittingand apply Teflon tape to threaded portion ofbleeder screw only. This will prevent air seepagearound threads of bleeder screw.)6) While maintaining vacuum on the pump line,tighten bleeder fitting.7) Top off reservoir and reinstall cover. Check brakeby pumping lever several times. Pedal should havea positive, solid feel. If not, repeat bleeding processas more air may have entered the system. Inspectline to ensure all fittings are tight. If brake still feelsslack, consult a service technician.For dual disc front brakes, repeat bleeding processas though there are two separate systems.REAR BRAKERemoving all air from the rear brake line is thesame as for the front. The rear brake reservoir isusually located beneath one of the side covers.1) Remove the master cylinder cap and fillto near full.2) Attach the pump hose to the bleeder fitting andpump the handle several times to create a vacuum.3) Crack the bleeder with a box wrench. Because ofthe short line, most of the air should be evacuatedthe first time.4) By closing the valve and repeating the process,all of the air should be eliminated from the system.Stop and add more fluid when master cylindergets low.5) Top off and recap the reservoir.TROUBLESHOOTING1) If, after bleeding procedure, the brake continuesto be unresponsive, you may have water in thesystem, in which case it will need to be disassembledand cleaned by a qualified service technician.2) If the brake squeaks slightly after bleeding,the disc and pads must be cleaned.3) Although DOT 3 fluid is recommended bymost manufacturers, it has a tendency to collectmoisture, which causes the common discolorationyou see - and that means decreased efficiency.DOT 5 is silicone based and does not have the sametendency to collect moisture. It also has a highertolerance. DOT 5, however, is not always easy tofind and the two types of fluid must not be mixed.4) Rubber hoses are supplied stock on mostmotorcycles, but they have a tendency to expand,which may result in a spongy brake feel after a lotof riding. Braided steel line will not expand like this.18BRAKE BLEEDING