S4R - Clutch Lever Went Completely Limp

[Slide Panda]

For next time - you've also got the very handy bleeder on the master.

[Armor]

Next time just leave the slave on the bike and bleed it.  Much easier.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Next time just leave the slave on the bike and bleed it.  Much easier.

Good idea.  The real reason I took it off is to try and get rid of a squeak by throwing some grease in there but that did't work, hence the new thread.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58230.0

Thanks,
Jim

[ducatiz]

Next time just leave the slave on the bike and bleed it.  Much easier.

i've actually found it easier to take the slave off, use a c clamp to block the piston and elevate it.  air bubbles float upwards.

Same practice for underslung rear calipers. 

i've also used a small vibrating child's toy attached to the line which vibrates the bubbles up, but of course will get further ridicule for that one.  but it works like crazy. 

[koko64]

Hey Tiz, I tried your idea and it worked well.
I had old buzz hair razor/clippers and removed the blades. I taped it to the lines and it really did vibrate the tiny bubbles off the line inners. It's a special bleeding tool now. Got that final bit of air out.

[ChchS4]

hi: I found this thread via Google when I encountered the same problem. I removed the stock clutch lever to replace it with an aftermarket version and the "S4R-Clutch Lever Went Completely Limp" - the title of this thread described my situation precisely.  My approach to fixing it differed slightly so I am adding this to the very useful knowledge based kept on this forum.

After reading a lot and watching a lot of Youtube videos I chose to buy a "Mityvac".  I used this tool to flush the clutch line, leaving the slave on the bike.  So after replacing the old fluid with nice new fluid, and there were no more air bubbles emerging, the clutch lever remained as limp as ever.  I did this a couple of times but nothing changed.

Next I unbolted the slave and tried again. This was a lot of trouble but also had no effect on limpness.  Someone in the thread suggested that this step is unnecessary and I agree. If you think about it, taking the slave off and pushing the plunger all the way back recreates the same situation as if the slave is still bolted on the engine.

So next, I tried bleeding the vent on the master cylinder with the Mityvac. Voila, all is good.

Next time, I will also use an old electric toothbrush to vibrate the lines.