Vacuum Draining
A hand-operated vacuum pump is required when
performing this procedure.
1. Connect the pump’s catch hose to the bleed
valve on the brake caliper (
Figure 3
).
2. Operate the vacuum pump to create vacuum in
the hose.
3. Use a wrench to open the bleed valve. The vac-
uum pump should pull fluid from the system.
4. When fluid has stopped flowing through the
hose, close the bleed valve.
5. Repeat Steps 2-4 until brake fluid no longer
flows from the bleed valve.
6. When draining the front brake system, repeat
this procedure on the opposite caliper.
7. Discard the brake fluid.
BRAKE PADS
Since brake pad wear depends greatly upon rid-
ing habits and conditions, manufacturers typically
do not provide a recommended mileage interval for
changing the brake pads. Check the brake pads for
wear before each ride or when the wear indicator
approaches the edge of the brake disc.
To maintain even brake pressure on the disc, al-
ways replace both pads in a caliper at the same time.
When replacing the front brake pads, replace both
pads in
both front calipers
at the same time. Refer to
Table 1
or
Table 2
for brake pad service limits.
Note that the brake hose does not need to be dis-
connected from the caliper during brake pad re-
placement. If the hose is removed, the brakes will
have to be bled. Disconnect the hose only when ser-
vicing the brake caliper.
WARNING
Use brake fluid clearly marked DOT 4
from a sealed container. Other types
may vaporize and cause brake failure.
Always use the same brand of brake
fluid. Do not mix brake fluids from
different manufacturers. They may
not be compatible.
WARNING
Do not ride the motorcycle until you
are sure the brakes are operating cor
rectly. If necessary, bleed the brake as
described in this chapter.
CAUTION
Check the pads more frequently when
the wear limit lines (
Figure 4
) ap
proach the disc. On some pads, the
wear lines are very close to the metal
backing plate. If pad wear happens to
be uneven, the backing plate may con
tact the disc and cause damage.
Front Brake Pad Replacement
1. Securely support the motorcycle on level
ground.
2. Remove the mounting bolt (
Figure 5
) and re-
lease the brake hose holder from the fork leg.
3A. On 1999-2000 XVS1100 models, perform the
following:
a. Remove the single retaining bolt (A,
Figure
6
).
b. Pivot the rear of the caliper up until the cali-
per clears the brake disc.
c. Pull the caliper out until the caliper pin (A,
Figure 7
) clears the pivot (A,
Figure 8
) in the
pad holder.
BRAKES
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