BMW R850 Maintenance Manual page 46

Brake pads may be retracted (pushed in) while bleeding the brakes. A minute amount of
brake fluid will be forced into the system with this maneuver. There are contrary
opinions about whether this procedure is beneficial. Note: The pads may be pulled in by
suction when Method One is used in bleeding the brakes. Retracting the brake pads is
part of the bleeding procedure recommended in the BMW manual.
SPEED BLEEDER (a new third method)
This new product is a one-way valve that looks similar to the standard bleed nipple at the
caliper, but replaces it. It operates like the standard bleed nipple, opening when turned
counter-clockwise and allowing brake fluid to flow from the nipple at the caliper. The
advantage of the Speed Bleed is that it is manufactured with a check valve that
prevents air from entering the brake system at the nipple. Turning the Speed Bleeder
clockwise closes it, just like a standard brake nipple. This will simplify bleeding the
brakes because you will not have to open and close the nipple every time you pump
brake fluid out and air will not enter the system from the nipple.
Each Speed Bleeder costs approximately $8.00. The manufacturer has been accurate
in determining the correct thread size; if you are not certain about sizing, ask him. You
will need one Speed Bleeder for each brake caliper, and one for the nipple under the
tank if you are bleeding from this ABS location.
The contact information is: Speed Bleeder Products, P.O. Box 306, Lemont, Illinois
60439, (630) 739 - 4620 phone, (630) 739 - 9626 fax, eMail to: speedbleeder@super-
highway.net and web site at http://www.speedbleeder.com
The Speed Bleeder has operated as advertised in our limited trials. Several BMW riders
are using this product, and all reported results have been positive. This author has had
excellent results. When using these, ensure that (1) air is not entering the system
through the Speed Bleeder's check valve, that (2) air is not entering the brake line
through the threaded area between the caliper and the Speed Bleeder, and that (3) the
Speed Bleeder is closed and will not permit fluid to escape at the conclusion of bleeding
the brakes. A firm brake lever after bleeding will normally mean that the Speed Bleeder
worked correctly. Exercise the same precautions and the same "firm brake lever" test
you must make when using the standard nipple. Warning: When installing these, do not
seat them too far into the caliper. They must be seated only far enough to prevent brake
fluid from escaping. I have a report of one person who broke a Speed Bleeder off in the
caliper.
The complete version of this article is available at www.ibmwr.org
Copyright© 1997, Stephen Karlan(Dali Meeow) <dali@netrox.net>, Miami, Florida
46