Temporarily sealing brake hoses

[DarrenSV650S]

I need to strip and clean my calipers. Anyone got any good tips to keep as much fluid in the brake lines as possible while I do it?

[Adam Ef]

Sounds obvious but gravity is the only chance you have. Get the calipers high up before you remove them. I imagine you'll end up with some air in the lines anyway and have to flush all the fluid through to push it out. I'd just accept that it will happen and drain the fluid.

[DJ123]

Is it an issue if they empty (i'm thinking ABS pumps and air locks)?

i would raise the end of it as high as you can (keeping the open end facing vertical) to remove any gravitational pull and reduce head height pressure. And use some rag/blue towel over the end as it shouldn't absorb too much, and secure it with a cable tie, or gaffer tape.

[Adam Ef]

If it has ABS then yes, it can be.
Depends on the bike but often you'll need the diagnostics software and interface to activate the ABS pump and use it to pump fluid through and bleed it. I know Triumphs can be done with the aftermarket "Dealertool" software and dongle which is cheaper at £65 than OEM software and interface. OEM devices are normally prohibitively expensive. In theory you could ride the bike and try to get the ABS to activate as much as possible to push air out, but that would be one hell of a ride and not sure it would be totally successful.

[DarrenSV650S]

Yeah it's got ABS. I've never bled a bike with ABS before so I'm not looking forward to it!

It's an Aprilia Dorsoduro if it makes any difference

[DJ123]

In which case, i wouldn't let the lines bleed out. Not unless you have a tool to pump the ABS module to help bleed the entire system.

The main thing is not to let the line between the MC & module go dry. If it's the line from the pump to the callipers, you'll be fine as no air has entered the ABS system.

Thinking about it, you could use some mole grips on the brake line (not hard) enough to reduce the flow of fluid and prevent them bleeding as quick. And with them raised that should help to slow the flow further.

[Adam Ef]

Don't drain the system if it has ABS. Do as you planned and try to keep as much fluid in the lines and then bleed the standard lines as normal to fill the calipers. Should be ok.

[admin]

Car mechanics often use a clamp on the hose. I can't say I've ever used one on a bike though.

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[DarrenSV650S]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking raise them up like you say and putting a normal bolt in with the old washers just in case

[DarrenSV650S]

I really don't like the idea of a clamp, especially on braided lines