Help w/ bleeding 'Vaq. ABS brakes'

MET-RICK · 06-10-2015, 06:05 PM

I've read most posts in the forum on bleeding 'brakes' and the clutch, watched a few u tube videos, (seemed pretty straight forward), went an got a mighty vac and some dot 4 and was going to do it tomorrow (its a 2013), then decided to double check to be sure to see if I could find a video for bleeding an 'ABS system'. I did find one but it was all maybe this maybe that maybe with ABS and linked brakes it will maybe need to be done with some type of specialised equipment only at the dealers

. Has anyone replaced their fluid in their ABS system and was anything special required?

Thx.

Ken Vega · 06-10-2015, 06:41 PM

Should be no different than any other braking system. I have done ABS cars many times. Should be no different on the Vaq.

skullbagger · 06-10-2015, 07:48 PM

the solenoid valve for abs doesn't open unless the bike is moving so I'm kinda on the fence too. but logically speaking if you bleed both side of the valve you shouldn't be an air bubble there, when you start to use the breaking system again right?
or is it more to it!
SKULLSHAKER

skullbagger · 06-10-2015, 07:50 PM

maybe Ray will chime in but I think he is the one said its no problem.
bleed as normal ( correct me if I'm wrong Ray )
SKULLSHAKER

recumbentbob · 06-10-2015, 08:43 PM

This won't help but you need a service manual

Jester03zx6r · 06-11-2015, 09:02 AM

I'm glad someone brought this topic up, as I have a 2014 Vaquero with ABS, and have been wanting to know...

gv550 · 06-11-2015, 10:12 AM

No special procedure or equipment required to bleed a VN1700 with ABS, put clean fluid in the reservoirs and bleed it through to the calipers.

MET-RICK · 06-11-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recumbentbob

This won't help but you need a service manual

PS. I did check my manual as well and it doesn't mention doing anything different for the ABS system that I read, but there is nothing more reliable or valuable than first hand 'experience/results/confirmation'. I'm thankful for all the information and help that is given to us by the forum members

... 'its priceless'... and sure beats having to use my MasterCard at the dealership to fix something that I screwed up because I over looked something. Cheers

MET-RICK · 06-11-2015, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gv550

No special procedure or equipment required to bleed a VN1700 with ABS, put clean fluid in the reservoirs and bleed it through to the calipers.

Thanks gv550 that's good to know, brake service is something I want to be sure about before I do it. Cheers.

recumbentbob · 06-11-2015, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MET-RICK

Thanks gv550 that's good to know, brake service is something I want to be sure about before I do it. Cheers.

That's for sure.

rick6375 · 06-11-2015, 12:30 PM

Just replaced the pads and fluid on my 2012 Voyager ABS. Used fresh fluid and vaccum pump from Harbour Freight. Also changed the clutch fluid, had more trouble with the clutch than the brakes, had to rebleed them, my fault. Just bleed as normal.

MET-RICK · 06-11-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick6375

Just replaced the pads and fluid on my 2012 Voyager ABS. Used fresh fluid and vaccum pump from Harbour Freight. Also changed the clutch fluid, had more trouble with the clutch than the brakes, had to rebleed them, my fault. Just bleed as normal.

Thx for the info. Rick and to all the rest of the folks who replied, its all greatly appreciated

. Hey Rick I hope the rebleed went well, is there anything to "not do" when doing the clutch....because I once (ok maybe it was twice) had a supervisor who told me that I was actually pretty good at 'not doing things'

.Cheers.

skullbagger · 06-11-2015, 07:39 PM

since were on the subject what pads does everybody recommend OEM or EBC I always been told on my 1500 to use oem and I tried ebc and I seen why lasted less than half of the factory pad.
but for the 1700 I've read that there is a better ebc pad out there any thoughts

Duc796canada · 06-11-2015, 10:50 PM

Great question, I have done brakes and clutches on all my previous bikes, this one the linked ABS, I was curious as well.

MET-RICK · 06-11-2015, 11:30 PM

Skullbagger, I haven't needed new pads yet only 20,000 km. and still looking good. I did read a few posts on the subject and I think quite a few people were recommending OEM for good general performance and rotor wear/life under non overly aggressive/spirited riding... with riding styles being a main consideration for performance requirements. Quite a few riders wanted pads that provided maximum stopping power, but it was mentioned that with some pads there was too much which presented a potential to lock up the back wheel under hard braking

. Someone did mention a semi-sintered pad from EBC that were a newer design and specific for heavier cruisers which would be less prone to lock up. That's all I got. Cheers.

06-10-2015, 06:05 PM	#1
MET-RICK Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 177	Help w/ bleeding 'Vaq. ABS brakes' I've read most posts in the forum on bleeding 'brakes' and the clutch, watched a few u tube videos, (seemed pretty straight forward), went an got a mighty vac and some dot 4 and was going to do it tomorrow (its a 2013), then decided to double check to be sure to see if I could find a video for bleeding an 'ABS system'. I did find one but it was all maybe this maybe that maybe with ABS and linked brakes it will maybe need to be done with some type of specialised equipment only at the dealers . Has anyone replaced their fluid in their ABS system and was anything special required? Thx. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-10-2015, 06:41 PM	#2
Ken Vega Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: South Florida Posts: 710	Should be no different than any other braking system. I have done ABS cars many times. Should be no different on the Vaq. __________________ 2004 Vulcan 1500 Classic "Sasha" (SOLD) 2014 Vulcan Vaquero ABS SE "Candie" On the 1500, too much to list. On the Vaquero: V&H slash cut slip ons Power Commander 5 and Ivan-ized ECU Chuckster's BAK Aux Audio adapter with bluetooth receiver. Mustang 2 up Touring Seat w/ driver and passenger backrest Kuryakyn Longhorn highway pegs. Kawasaki 12 volt charger Longer 1600 meanstreak SE kickstand Full LED Daymaker light mod.
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06-10-2015, 08:43 PM	#5
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	This won't help but you need a service manual __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-11-2015, 10:12 AM	#7
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	No special procedure or equipment required to bleed a VN1700 with ABS, put clean fluid in the reservoirs and bleed it through to the calipers. __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details.
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06-11-2015, 12:30 PM	#11
rick6375 Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New Castle, In. Posts: 365	Just replaced the pads and fluid on my 2012 Voyager ABS. Used fresh fluid and vaccum pump from Harbour Freight. Also changed the clutch fluid, had more trouble with the clutch than the brakes, had to rebleed them, my fault. Just bleed as normal. __________________ 2005 800 Classic 2012 Voyager ABS
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06-10-2015, 07:48 PM	#3
skullbagger Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N.C. Posts: 727	the solenoid valve for abs doesn't open unless the bike is moving so I'm kinda on the fence too. but logically speaking if you bleed both side of the valve you shouldn't be an air bubble there, when you start to use the breaking system again right? or is it more to it! SKULLSHAKER
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06-10-2015, 07:50 PM	#4
skullbagger Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N.C. Posts: 727	maybe Ray will chime in but I think he is the one said its no problem. bleed as normal ( correct me if I'm wrong Ray ) SKULLSHAKER
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06-11-2015, 09:02 AM	#6
Jester03zx6r Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 37	I'm glad someone brought this topic up, as I have a 2014 Vaquero with ABS, and have been wanting to know...
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06-11-2015, 07:39 PM	#13
skullbagger Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N.C. Posts: 727	since were on the subject what pads does everybody recommend OEM or EBC I always been told on my 1500 to use oem and I tried ebc and I seen why lasted less than half of the factory pad. but for the 1700 I've read that there is a better ebc pad out there any thoughts
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06-11-2015, 10:50 PM	#14
Duc796canada Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 146	Great question, I have done brakes and clutches on all my previous bikes, this one the linked ABS, I was curious as well. __________________ 2014 Vaquero SE Cirius engine guard lights Vizi-Tec Supa-brake II Afterburner 4500LM LED headlamp Ivan's Performance 12 VDC plug-in BAK Thunder mfg. Cobra Tri-Flo 2011 Ducati Monster 796 2006 GSXR 600 (track bike)
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06-11-2015, 11:30 PM	#15
MET-RICK Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 177	Skullbagger, I haven't needed new pads yet only 20,000 km. and still looking good. I did read a few posts on the subject and I think quite a few people were recommending OEM for good general performance and rotor wear/life under non overly aggressive/spirited riding... with riding styles being a main consideration for performance requirements. Quite a few riders wanted pads that provided maximum stopping power, but it was mentioned that with some pads there was too much which presented a potential to lock up the back wheel under hard braking . Someone did mention a semi-sintered pad from EBC that were a newer design and specific for heavier cruisers which would be less prone to lock up. That's all I got. Cheers.
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