Brake Fluid Replacement: Honda Motorcycle

Caution (Read below)
Learn this easy technique to bleed and flush your motorcycle brake systems as well as your hydraulic clutch systems.
* Clamping with excessive force on any high-pressure line can potentially cause damage to the structure of the hose. This typically happens with much older bikes were the brake hoses have become very stiff and dry rotted with age. It is important to NEVER clamp near any of the master cylinder or the caliper's fittings. Inspect your brake hoses first for any visual dry-rot or deterioration of the hose before attempting this method. In which case, it would be better to replace your brake lines to avoid brake component failure.
Common brake hoses consist of two separate rubber hoses. The external hose you see visually and a smaller rubber hose lined with a braided fiber. It does not take a death grip to achieve what is shown in this method. Just a SLIGHT holding pressure on the hose with a flat bill plier.
YOU CANNOT DO THIS WITH STEEL BRAIDED LINES.
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[@cri8tor]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate your tutorials and the fact that you work on older Hondas makes them that much more valuable. Cheers

[@RogerDiotte]

AGREED! Long Live 83-84 SHADOWS!~

[@topcutguy3248]

Great advice. Many people are here because they are not wealthy, and would like to take care of what they can afford, affordably. a 1993 Honda Shadow has rubber lines. It's fine if YOU choose to afford steel braided brake lines, but don't criticize other people for what's in their budget. This guy is the common man's hero, for bike repair. Snobs can go elsewhere, or chill out if you stay. Thanks.

[@alanroberts6312]

follow the advice of someone who clamps high pressure brake lines? nothing to do with steel ones...nothing to do with snobbery, clamping a line hard enough to cause the restriction required in the video WILL DAMAGE the brake line.

[@ChrisPargon]

"This is the break bleeder 5000. it also solves world peace at the same time" 🤣🤣 That was golden haha.

[@fzz8y72]

Just wanted to say the technique of using a pair of pliers on the hose was a complete game changer. I have been working on cars and bikes for a long time now, but never heard this trick before. Thank you for making bleeding the brakes much easier.

[@bmurphy847]

Japanese bikes use a JIS type of screws. These are slightly different than Philips screws. Get s Vessel brand screw driver and you'll have an easier time removing screws on your Japanese bike.

[@awizardalso]

I have a 2003 Honda Shadow VLX 600, that I've made a few changes to it. I use a handheld vacuum pump with a plastic hose going into a container with another plastic hose to the bleeder nipple by applying vacuum to the container it draws brake fluid out of the caliper and down from the reservoir. I keep checking the level and adding more brake fluid to the reservoir before any air gets into the system. When the fluid comes out looking clearer, then I'm done. I do like your videos. As my 5th grade teacher told us when you graduate from high school or college, you're not out of school. Life is a school and you must never stop learning. Best teacher and lesson I ever had in school and it proved useful in my life. I can always benefit by learning something new every day.

[@davidshelton876]

Have watched many bike maintenance videos, but this guy really knows his stuff. Excellent

[@vinnyvdalidemonet8527]

Cody, I am liking the pliers tip. Looking forward to putting it in to use. Specially on the rear brake master on my 92 F2, which has been a major pain in my ass. Thanks for sharing the good stuff, I really appreciate your knowledge. As well as your time and effort spent on making and freely sharing these videos. Thank you so much.

[@kimfortunato5601]

Pliers trick was amazing, saved me tons of time pumping the cylinder for usually 15 mins or so, it took me just a few minutes

[@Noidhole88]

The pliers trick is amazing! Did my back brake in 2min. Waiting for parts and I'll do the front ones. Thanks for the tip!

[@jayterry7291]

Wow. Thanks. It worked great. Was having trouble and watched and thought “dang why didn’t I think of that”? Took about 15 min and brakes are nice and firm. Looking forward to watching more. 2004 VT 1100 Spirit. Ready to ride!👍🏼

[@emanmoral]

Mate..... The best brake bleeding process I've ever seen. From Sydney, Australia

[@johnegadget]

Love your detailed tips and explanations on motorcycle repair... you have been a big help and I look forward to more video tips. Thanks Cody, John

[@iancutri8945]

Great video. Straight to the point, not much fluff, thank you.

[@srgore67]

I just tried this on a Zuma 50 Im working on for a friend and it worked like a champ. This made the bleed so much easier, faster and a one man job. Thanks and now I'm a subscriber.😁

[@akbarhussain1767]

Excellent tips for changing fluids & bleeding to perfection,thank you friend 🙂🙂🙂

[@seau2007]

I was taught that brake fluid is hygroscopic, attracting moisture making it dark. Your process is spotless. Mucho Mahalo.

[@Mojo27564]

Man😭😭😭 just want to say thank you that's the only Method that worked for me!! topped it up and bleed 4 times!!

[@travisaleric5703]

this is gold man thank you so much from a 1982 cx650 honda owner!

[@user-du8ff7lk7f]

from my heart...thank you...your video really helped me ...i changed my motocycle brake clipper after that i couldn't move the air out from the brake system...so i do it by your way...and walaaah!!! its working. after three and a half year video still help the people's

[@vics-videos]

Thorough and complete instructions, including the WHY for things! Outstanding! Wish you lived near me, I'd have you work on my GL1800!

[@Visionery1]

Thanks, good tip about the diaphragm! Depending on the age of the bike I would also strip the caliper, clean and replace the seals, it makes a world of difference to the 'feel' of the brake system and reduces the chance of seized pistons down the line.

[@Agent40oz]

Very Thorough Video , but simply explained. Great Job Man!

[@daltonvickers7977]

I will definitely have to try this pliar method. Sure beats getting up and down a lot. This will save a lot of time.

[@worldcollections2839]

Love you man : after I watched your Video until the end : I see that you have solved my problem : you are so smart to do this : because the same problem with me is that the fluid is comming back again and does not make the pressure ... while some people will think that your Idea is bad or stupid : I think that you are an expert because it looks like you have experienced many many Brake problems like me exactly .. thank you Sir .

[@jonathansmith9879]

Thanks for this video. Very well explained. Im glad i saw this before doing my brake bleed. I wouldnt have known about the one use rubber seal. Thanks a bunch

[@glennr9913]

I watched one of your brake caliper rebuild videos yesterday. You used a brake line clamp to squeeze that line, instead of pliers. It looks like a much safer tool for the rubber lines because it has rounded jaws. After seeing you recommend it I checked to see if Harbor Frt carried them & found a set of four clamps for $8. (I just thought I'd mention it since this video is from 2016 & you probably didn't have that tool back then.) Thanks for the great videos.

[@michaels3474]

Thank you for the information!!! It also helps that you are working on something that looks close to what I have. This is my first used bike and this worked just as you said. Let's see what is next for me to repair...

[@dps6198]

I love how parts houses sell you way more than what you need to do a job like replace the brake fluid or oil.

[@max1chase166]

Nice video, very basic for novice mechanics to learn something important. and thanks for the Fork Seal video Great job.

[@joef.3094]

i noticed that you referred to "phillips" screws. in a video which you must have made after this one you talked about J.I.S. screws /screwdrivers. i found out about J.I.S. from yet another youtube video. this seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in the mechanical field. once you use one on a japanese motorcycle you will never go back to using a phillips. i hope you will spread the word in future videos. best tool i have purchased in a LONG time. no more chewed up screw heads; seldom need an impact to loosen one anymore.

[@nequito718]

Awesome video with simple step by step instructions. Thanks!

[@MrTimenator]

Great video, i've learnt a lot before doing brakes and clutch on my Honda vtr 1000. Because of you i'm gonna order new diaphragms before the task. In the past i reused the old one of it's not split. I would have used dot 3 if i hadn't seen your video, so thanks for the dot 4 tip. It's good to put one drop of WD40 on the screws an hour before cracking them and i encourage everyone to buy an Impact Driver and use that as a Phillips head. It's bulk and weight give good purchase and will undo the screw without hitting it, and if it doesn't, it's ready for a light tap with a hammer. I like your 3 uses of a cloth or paper, that's always been my way. Good economics and waste reduction.

[@anonydm]

I really like your style! Very detailed oriented. Thank you!!

[@aussiefarmer8741]

Man You are a Legend too say the least. I bought this Yam TTR250 $400 with leaking base gasket. So to repair I may as well do top end no big deal. Front master cyl decides it needs new kit as it stuck. No big deal. I put in new kit, tried too bleed, No way Hos'ea. The brake line sticks up 1/2 a mile higher than the master cyl, try reverse bleed , all sorts of shit. Nothing. Cody pops up on youtube and saves the day with his plier 1 way valve trick. Yippee , it worked a treat. Im a Honda man personally , I might sell this yam and get another XR. Thanks again Cody.

[@LeonardoCostaUSA]

Great video man! As I don't have that kind of pliers I used grip pliers which works perfectly. Thanks for your video!!

[@DuroSpin]

Great tip, thanks for the great video and in depth explination!

[@TheLithGH]

Thanks for the Pliers advice!! Should make my life so much easier! :-)

[@oldfartuk]

best to always use a JIS screwdriver even if you don't have a Japanese bike ..you will find it fits much better

[@Kevz916]

I bought it on a Japanese dollar store.. its worth buying.

[@davetee425]

duuuuude killing it with these awesome vids! Picked up a beat up ninja 250 the othe dayr, ordered all the parts and will start working on her next week thanks to your vids. keep up the great work man! :D

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+David T. Awesome man! Glad they are helpful! Best of luck with the 250!

[@kfogg1413]

This was perfect teaching! Thank you!!! 1. I *did* have to tap my screwdriver with a hammer. Very soft metal, those screws! 2. Creating a valve with needle nose pliers was crucial and made the job faster. 3. Flushing 2-3 reservoirs' worth of brake fluid pulled out a bit of particulate. I could use more understanding of the air, though: bubbles were coming out of the bleed valve, and I thought I was supposed to see them primarily at the reservoir? Jic, I pumped fluid til I didn't see air on either end.

[@christophergarcia810]

Love the new intro brother! Someone give this guy a tv show!

[@wormraper]

Thanks the advice man! I was a bit nervous about pinching my brake line because i'm running the OEM 93 tubes on my bike and even though I didn't see any rot or anything, just played it safe. I used my wife as a "cheat" by having her sit on the ground and do the "open/close" between pumps (the old fashioned way) and ran 6 refills through the system (after having emptied and refilled the resevoir like your directions, and each refill being about 1/2-2/3 of the liquid in the brake fluid reservoir) . So I'm estimating between 3-4 FULL reservoirs went through it for the full flush (my wife confirmed it was clear liquid for about 4 of those 6 refills anyways since it was just what was in the tubes). Brakes feel solid as a rock, and having just changed my pads yesterday, braking feels nice and solid. Never taking it to my mechanic for something like this again. Easy enough for a fairly competent person to pull off. I have a new diaphram on the way (it had to be special ordered and I forgot to order before starting) so I'll just swap the diaphram the minute it comes in the mail this coming up week. Show less REPLY

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Nice job man!!

[@wormraper]

thanks, I'm no mechanic, but it's nice to do the simple things on your bike. I'm just glad I don't have a dual caliper front brake system, or disc fronts AND back, as even though it was brainlessly simple if you follow directions, was definitely tedious doing the old "pump pump hold...crack the bleeder, close the bleeder. repeat" method...even with my wife helping so I didn't have to do both lol

[@everettesfit]

Dude, your method is 100% spot on. I have a vacuume fed bleeding kit and the pliar method worked soooo much better. I used the pump kid to clean out the master cylinder instead of the turkey baster.. you killed it with this tutorial. Thanks kid

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

everettesfit 🤙🤙👍 it is a pretty nifty trick!

[@everettesfit]

thoughts, after bleeding the front break and replacing the pads the front wheel doesn't spin freely.. seems to have drag.. do you think I still have a bubble

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

everettesfit Slight drag is normal with brand new pads. Failure to spin is a problem and no that wouldn't be an air thing. That would be a possible dirty caliper or crud in the relief hole up top.

[@everettesfit]

TheMotorcycleMD once again you were 100% on the money. the drag in my breaks ended up being crud behind one of the caliper pistons. cleaned it out used some 1500grit paper to smooth out the sticking piston and no more sticking. thanks again for the tips

[@davidbedard7195]

Excellent - to hear a pro explain a better method is a blessing - thanks.

[@dennisconklin4493]

Very Informative & Clearly explained. Thanks!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks y'all!

[@corybuehn3192]

Hell man. Keep'em them coming!

[@carloselzaurdia7279]

Your video is full of great tips and to the point, I just suscribed thank you!

[@elod-jozsefotvos5571]

Thanks Man! The trick is AWSOME!

[@paulleone5331]

Also what the other guy said about older Hondas. I've picked up a couple older (2003-2007) but low mileage Shadows. One is in better shape than the other and the other needs brake fluid replacement. Thanks for the vid. .

[@angiefav1847]

Thanks your plier one way valve idea works a teat you are clear and informative thanks

[@stevegledhill8418]

Just found you channel Thank you. Your insight is great for me as a newby

[@az7ai971]

pinching brake tube really help significantly thanks

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Excellent video all detiles covered, to the point

[@kbearpro]

You rock dude. Love your information on this subject.

[@SinnerSince1962]

A new gasket every time you break the seal? I bet Honda loves hearing that! I'm glad you told me, after the 20 or 30 times I've had mine off and on, I never knew!

[@nathanbrock7721]

Love the video! simple and easy to comprehend. Do you have a video for the rear brake cylinder

[@williamworrell178]

Good cam work, smooth.

[@melissastillwell6334]

Such informative teaching video . Thank you

[@vermhot]

Absolutely awesome video!! Will use this !!

[@azmi2020]

its working like a charm, thanks man.

[@sauliusipsc]

That's a super cool video! Thank you for sharing!

[@Billo1281]

Great to the point video, well done dude!

[@rollthelosingdice]

If you don't have any brake pressure at all, pour a little fluid in the side hole of the master and replace your brake hose. It really works!

[@gabrielchaparro1698]

Can you explain? A little more detail...what hole? And when was the hose removed?

[@rollthelosingdice]

@@gabrielchaparro1698 The hole where where your brake hose is bolted to the brake master cylinder. the banjo bolt has a hole in it. When you put your brake hose on air gets trapped right there and doesn't allow brakes to work.

[@Chopik1149]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@bryantchandler2925]

The service manual on my Silverwing doesn't say anything about replacing the rubber part with a new one. Also, Motion Pro makes a couple of inexpensive brake bleeder tools that allow a one-man brake bleed. I bought one and it works great!

[@davereaves1719]

Nice work! Great video!

[@rvbarreto1]

Very helpful information. Thanks you.

[@MrInternationalSound]

Thank you ‼‼ (2017 honda rebel.300)

[@pablomesa876]

Good tip, I will try it later, thanks.

[@micmic2k]

Great tutorial!

[@mooser321]

That pliers use is genius. I don't know why I've never thought of that before. ;

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great! Hope it works for you!

[@fredkilian4049]

Any professional Mech will know that they are not Phillips head screws. They are Metric JIS head screws. (Japanese Industrial Standard) Get a set of JIS screw drivers for this.

[@craigs7730]

Great videos no bullshit, right to the point, great job! Keep it up.

[@mcgjtimmermans]

Great video. it helped me a lot. Thanks

[@rooster3019]

I had never heard the advice to replace the diaphram every opening. I keep spares for when they have damage, but that is rare; but brake fluid spills are so damaging that your advice makes sense. I use speed bleeders to purge, think of the money I could have saved.

[@lonspencer6746]

killer vids. keep em comin!

[@Potato-mu7nu]

Thanks for Viddy, just subbed.

[@manuelbicudo9848]

Great vid.Thank you.

[@not1au]

Very good video.

[@peteacevedo3822]

great video, keep up the MD ing!!!!

[@daffdaffy5236]

wow thank you very much sir thank you that's the best the proper way I'm gonna change my bike brake fluid right now and that's the best guide video I really appreciate it my God God bless you with all his special blessings thank you very much sir

[@no-mv5kd]

Ooh, I'm just about to head out to the garage to try your nifty pliers trick! I'm gonna try it with a fuel hose clamp so I can leave it in place. Hopefully it will have enough leverage for the brake hose.

[@Marcosvlogs847]

Good video good information

[@ripsnorter1015]

Mate I enjoy your video.going to watch clutch flush Cheers

[@Orf45]

Very well done, and for me super helpful. Thanks eh.

[@billbill5710]

i get rid of the phillips screws and replace them with allen screws, no stripping, no hammering, no problems..

[@sailorjohnboy]

They are not Phillips. They are JIS. That’s why people always strip them.

[@kirkwhalen350]

holy crap that worked perfect thanks

[@waynesitarz424]

Mechanic stripped one Phillips head and I stripped the other. Drilled them out by getting the screw heads off. Not too bad a job.

[@stephencrouse9281]

I have a Honda Shadow spirit vt1100c and I did the brakes yesterday and was getting frustrated because I kept getting air in the line. My recommendation is to not use pliers but instead to wrap a rag around the brake line to protect it then use a VERY tight pair of vise grips. My brakes are now harder than ever thanks!

[@jamaldaf]

Merci . Belle vidéo

[@crsnmorton]

Very helpful. Thanks. My question is this: If you suck out the old fluid in the reservoir isn't there a danger of introducing air into the system from the reservoir? Thanks.

[@LuisPedroGoncalves]

Thanks for the ideia with the plier

[@timhillsphotography4682]

Great video and advice, thanks! I've got a 94' VT1100 and want to change the bars.. currently the master cylinder has a 45° mounting angle due to the buckhorn style bars... if i swap them out and mount them on straight bars, will they function ok as long as i clean/fill/bleed with them straight? If not... any advice on which master cylinder to swap it for? Thanks

[@nrgsergmcjoule8404]

right on, man. this was nice!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

+Nrgserg McJoule Great!! 🤙🤙 share it!

[@davidsgerson]

This is really a great video. Is it okay to do this with ABS brakes on a Honda CBF600 P38? I'm bummed the mechanic just did my brakes as I will have to wait a year to get to try it myself.

[@canton7180]

cheap rubber brake lines you can pinch you can't pinch braided or teflon

[@jansmisek9987]

And you should not pinch any brake line, it can make micro damage to the hose. That is also the reason you should not demount the caliper and let it just hang on the hose. Always wire it up to the handles.

[@LookingGlass69]

awesome, thanks.

[@beardedcatguitarplus9485]

Going to try this on both of my 84 Yamaha virago xv700