Problems Bleeding Rear Brake

Antiquebiker · May 2, 2015

Can anyone help please.
Had my 2011 non ABS GSA serviced recently and it was noted the rear brake was binding.
I removed the caliper which was in a bit of a sorry state and struggling to slide so sent it off to Powerhouse for a rebuild.
It arrived back this morning so pads back in and caliper bolted back on bike. Then the problems started.
I can't seem to be able to bleed the brake.
Is there a certain way to do this, I am using the old method of rubber tube in jam jar. Seem to be getting air bubbles but no pressure at the pedal or caliper.
Grateful for any advice.
Thank you

Deleted account 190920001 · May 2, 2015

You are closing the bleen nipple when releasing the peddle? Its obviouse but I have no idea of your abilities.
Never had any issues with either the old tube in the jar or with a vaccuum pump.

Antiquebiker · May 2, 2015

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, closing the bleed nipple when releasing the pedal. Getting air through tube but resovior level doesn't drop much. It's as if fluid is not getting pushed through.

Deleted account 190920001 · May 2, 2015

did you replace the sealing washers when puting it together? Sounds like it is drawing air. You could remome the blead nipple and check the seat as well in case there is a bit crap stuck below it stopping it from sealing.

Antiquebiker · May 2, 2015

Yes, new washer top and bottom and clean around the seat.
Think the best thing is a trip back to the garage where it was serviced and let them sort it out, only so much I can do on my hands and knees!
Thanks again for your help.

JJH · May 2, 2015

Crack the union at the master cylinder to get all the air out at the start of the line. Jjh

patzx12 · May 3, 2015

I always start with the pistons pushed all the way in, sometimes air can be trapped behind the piston

Pukmeister · May 3, 2015

Can you get a Mityvac or similar and suck the fluid through ?

DervMan · May 3, 2015

Can you upload a photo of the caliper fitted to the bike?

fatnfast · May 3, 2015

Not sure where in Kent you are but your welcome to borrow my mityvac.

Antiquebiker · May 4, 2015

Thanks all. Dervman, I will try and post photo in the morning and fatnfast many thanks for the offer I live in Maidstone. Is that anywhere near you?

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Bendy toy · May 4, 2015

You could try pushing fluid from the caliper bleed nipple with a 50ml or 100ml syringe.

bikemad · May 4, 2015

I sometimes take hose off at caliper & with a pair of latex gloves on,hold open banjo end pump lever you should feel the line pressurised if it's ok that end could have trapped air somewhere ?
I replaced a wheel cylinder on my van recently had to get a pressure bleeder ffs it just didn't want to play ball the trad way :blast

fatnfast · May 4, 2015

Antiquebiker said:
fatnfast many thanks for the offer I live in Maidstone. Is that anywhere near you?

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Broadstairs, but if your passing your welcome to borrow it.

TonyGt3 · May 4, 2015

Bendy toy said:
You could try pushing fluid from the caliper bleed nipple with a 50ml or 100ml syringe.

+1. This works for me

Antiquebiker · May 4, 2015

Cheers Everyone, thanks for all the advice.
Done just about all my modest toolkit will allow, still no luck.
I have a friend from work coming round on Wednesday morning with a vacumn bleed kit. Fingers crossed this will do the trick.
If not for sale, R1200GSA good condition but requires back brake sorting!
Will keep you posted.

Antiquebiker · May 6, 2015

Success!! What a donut, Thought I was topping up the resovior but it turns out I was topping up the bellows inside the resovior! Any abuse welcome and much deserved.
Many thanks again for everyones help.

JJH · May 6, 2015

Nice one. Brilliant JJH

bikemad · May 6, 2015

Antiquebiker said:
Success!! What a donut, Thought I was topping up the resovior but it turns out I was topping up the bellows inside the resovior! Any abuse welcome and much deserved.
Many thanks again for everyones help.