Bleeding Front Brake - Buell XB 2008 Series Service Manual

braking ability and lead to brake failure which could result in
death or serious injury.

Bleeding Front Brake

NOTE
Hydraulic brake fluid bladder-type pressure equipment can be
used to fill the brake master cylinder through the bleeder valve
if master cylinder reservoir cover is removed to prevent pres-
surization.
1. See Figure 1-8. With motorcycle in upright position,
remove protective cap and install end of plastic tubing
over front caliper bleeder valve; place other end in a clean
container.
D.O.T. 4 brake fluid will damage painted and body panel
surfaces it comes in contact with. Always use caution and
protect surfaces from spills whenever brake work is per-
formed. Failure to comply can result in cosmetic damage.
(00239b)
2. Cover body surfaces, right handlebar switches and
instrument panel to protect from spillage.
3. See Figure 1-9. Remove two fasteners from front master
cylinder cover and remove the reservoir cap, stiffener and
diaphragm.
4. Repeat the following steps until all air bubbles are purged
and brake fluid flows from the plastic tubing.
a. See Figure 1-10. Add D.O.T. 4 BRAKE FLUID to
master cylinder reservoir. Bring fluid level to within
1/8 in. (3.2 mm) of molded boss level indicator inside
front master cylinder.
Do not reuse brake fluid.
b. Slowly squeeze and release brake lever several times
to build up hydraulic pressure, then squeeze or apply
pressure to brake lever.
c. Open bleeder valve about 1/2-turn counterclockwise.
Brake fluid will flow from bleeder valve and through
tubing into container.
d. When brake lever has moved 1/2 to 3/4 of its range
of travel, close bleeder valve (clockwise).
5. Tighten front caliper bleeder valve (metric) to 30-60 in-
lbs (4-7 Nm).
6. See Figure 1-10. Verify fluid is within 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) of
molded boss level indicator inside front master cylinder.
7. Check that brake lever feels firm. Repeat bleeding pro-
cedure as necessary.
8. Attach cover to front master cylinder reservoir and tighten
fasteners to 9-13 in-lbs (1.0-1.5 Nm).
9. Remove plastic tubing from bleeder and install protective
cap.
10. Remove protective cover from molded-in color surfaces,
right handlebar switches and instrument panel.
NOTE
sm00485
Figure 1-8. Front Caliper Bleeder Valve
sm00486
Figure 1-9. Front Master Cylinder (Fasteners, Cap, Stiffener
and Diaphragm)
sm00487
Figure 1-10. Reservoir Fluid Level Indicator
2008 XB Service: Maintenance 1-17