Anyone have any advice on bleeding abs brakes? I know the dealer has a machine to do it, need to get it drivable to get there. Thx...

 

I don't think the procedure is any different...but I have not had to mess with mine yet so I haven't turned to that page in the service manual yet.

HD ABS used an optical sensor in the wheel/axle which is why I believe the bleeding procedure is the same.

 

I have the 2012 softail manual and it says that anytime you disconnect or adjust anything with the ABS system it must be brought to a dealer and put on their computer to be electronically reset. I believe you can do all the manual work on it but you would still have to get it to a dealer after that to reset the system. Of course trailering it would be the wisest way to do that.
I read somewhere on this forum of someone doing it that way when he was changing cables for the new bars on his bike.

 

I believe the problem arises when air gets into the ABS motor and does not come out threw normal bleeding.

 

i bleed mine no problems

 

If the ABS module on your bike works like the one on the touring models, then the only thing you need to be careful about when bleeding/flushing the brakes is try not to get any air into the module itself. My service manual suggests that if air does get into it that it will need to be connected to what's called the Digital Technician to help remove the air. Only dealers have access to this tool as far as I know.

I am not positive but I believe the Digital Technical cycles the module in order to move the brake fluid around to help flush out any air.

Some on here that have replaced handlebars and installed longer brake lines have reported reverse flushing (pushing brake fluid from the caliper backwards to the reservoir) or filling the new brake lines with fluid and bleeding that line prior to connecting it to the system without getting air into the system.

If you just want to flush the lines and put in fresh fluid, then you can use your favorite method such as the old fashioned squeeze and bleed, vacuum systems, or my favorite, Speed Bleeders, for flushing. Just don't let the reservoir get too low which would allow air to get into the system.

Hope this helps.

 

Thx for the help guys. I'll just try doing it like normal ans see what happens. I'll let you know...

 

just wondering if anyone has learned anything new on this subject?

i think i got air in the abs module and it seems that i need to activate the module while bleeding to remove the air.

i know the dealer has a computer to do that but i would think there has to be a way to jumper or otherwise trick the abs module into activating without a computer.....something that we can do even if it is a pita would be a life saver