Suzuki LT-A700X 2004 Service Manual page 41

2-24 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
AIR BLEEDING THE BRAKE FLUID CIRCUIT
Air trapped in the brake fluid circuit acts like a cushion absorb a
large proportion of the pressure developed by the master cylin-
der and thus interferes with the full braking performance of the
brake caliper. The presence of air is indicated by "sponginess"
of the brake lever and also by lack of braking force. Considering
the danger to which such trapped air exposes the machine and
rider, it is essential that, after remounting the brake and restor-
ing the brake system to the normal condition, the brake fluid cir-
cuit be purged of air in the following manner:
• Fill the front or rear brake reservoir with the specified brake
fluid to the top of the inspection window or the upper limit line.
Replace the reservoir cap to prevent dirt from entering.
• Attach a hose to the air bleeder valve, and insert the free end
of the hose into a receptacle.
• Squeeze and release the brake lever or the brake pedal sev-
eral times in rapid succession and squeeze the lever or the
pedal fully without releasing it. Loosen the air bleeder valve by
turning it a quarter of a turn so that the brake fluid runs into
the receptacle, this will remove the tension of the brake lever
causing it to touch the handlebar grip or the brake pedal
reaching bottom of the stroke. Then, close the air bleeder
valve, pump and squeeze the lever or the pedal, and open the
valve. Repeat this process until the fluid flowing into the
receptacle no longer contains air bubbles.
NOTE:
While bleeding the brake system, replenish the brake fluid in the
reservoir as necessary. Make sure that there is always some
fluid visible in the reservoir.
• Close the air bleeder valve, and disconnect the hose. Fill the
reservoir with brake fluid to the top of the inspection window
or the upper limit line.
" Air bleeder valve: 5.5 N·m (0.55 kgf-m, 4.0 lb-ft)
#
Handle brake fluid with care: the fluid reacts chemi-
cally with paint, plastics, rubber materials, etc.