Hydraulic Braking System

Hydraulic Braking System - FADM Stern GNSF

The hydraulic brake system on these bikes uses hydraulic (brake) fluid to force a piston(s) in a brake caliper against brake pads that sit just above the rotor. While some models have this only on the front, some have them on both the front and rear. The system consists of the following parts;

• Master Cylinder
• Brake lines
• Caliper
• Brake Pads
• Wheel Rotor

Brake Bleeding

An article from the viewfindpostp230168 forum

I have done a lot of brake bleeding. I have found problems bleeding the brakes several times. My solution to the problem has always worked for me. Even using a vacuum bleeder I have had this problem.

First off you want all the plastic and painted areas off the bike or covered with the contractor’s thick plastic bags so no brake fluid can get on anything as brake fluid will remove paint. Make sure you are constantly checking the brake fluid level so you don’t have to start this all over if the master were to go dry and air will be reintroduced into the system.

Take apart the connection right at the master cylinder. Put one thumb over the banjo bolt hole and begin pumping slowly. When the brake fluid begins to squirt past your thumb reattach the hose and banjo bolt. Go to the next connection which is the splitter on the on some bikes. Disconnect the hoses that go to the calipers at the splitter and put your finger over both sides. Make sure that fender is covered. Again pump until the brake fluid starts to squirt past your fingers.

When it does squirt, reconnect your hoses. With one hose connected and the one bleeder closed, bleed the disconnected hose with your fingers over the end until fluid is running through. Then bleed the caliper on the bled side.

Then disconnect and bleed the hose on the other side. When you have fluid there, begin bleeding the caliper on that side.

Yes, it is a long, drawn out procedure … but it has never failed to do the job.

Finally, I must add, if you use a vacuum bleeder always re-bleed the caliper without the vacuum as the last step, as the vacuum bleeder often pulls air through the threads on the bleeder screw and if you don’t pump that last little bit of air out it will remain in the caliper.