Poll
Question:
Which is easier to change hydrolic fluids with?
Option 1: Speed Bleeders
votes: 2
Option 2: Mighty Vac (or the like)
votes: 2
Option 3: Old fashioned way
votes: 4
Option 4: Boobies
votes: 3
B and I need to changing the fluids in our ST's. He will also be replacing the clutch slave on his ST4s.
We are looking for the easiest/quickest way to get the job done.
We will also be using the same technique on all of our bikes in the future.
3 reservoirs X 5 bikes = alot of pumping with no assistance. [bang] [bang]
Well I sorta vote for all 4... but on the tech side all 3.
I've found that the mighty Vac was good for moving a lot of fluid to get the clutch slave process started - but to really do it up I resorted to the old fashioned method + strapping the level to the bar over night.
From brakes, I've got speedbleeders on the front - so that gives me options. I usually Vac the fonts (even with the speed bleeders) since it's just easier to watch the line for bubbles if you can get a close view.
do speed bleeders really work? Ive heard mixed opinons about them....
I will say though, if you kept your system air free, to begin with, then you should just do it manually, your just moving the old fluid out, new fluid in, on the brake and clutch line, that shouldnt take more than 10 minutes a piece. to flush it several times over, its when you have air in the system that makes it a PITA.
i love the speed bleeders, I have them on all 3 calipers. Its made flushing hydraulics crazy easy and fast, even when I installed a new rear brake line.
my mightyvac (i have the "plus" model, its supposed to be better) doesn't always work well because I'll often see bubbles around it, where the hose isn't tight enough.
If you are changing the fluid, the Mighty Vac will work fine since you can move more fluid faster, just make sure you don't run the reservoir dry. Bleeding? Not so good.
I've only done it the old fashioned way. And for the most part , I've had good luck. Not saying that the other methods aren't any good. I just dont see spending money on the vacuums or other high tech gadgets.
Quote from: scduc on May 15, 2009, 03:36:36 PM
I've only done it the old fashioned way. And for the most part , I've had good luck. Not saying that the other methods aren't any good. I just dont see spending money on the vacuums or other high tech gadgets.
+1 The clutch can be a bit fussy, but zip-tie the lever to the bar overnight and you shouldn't have any problems