R1150RT ABS Brake flush question

[Jade]

I'm getting ready to take on a brake fluid flush on the ABS system. I've read the manuals and postings and think I understand the procedure pretty well. My question is this: In everything I've seen, I've not seen many comments on the best way to bleed those six control circuit bleeders. I know to do them in the correct order, but can I use a Mity-vac for that? I'm putting speedbleeders on the wheel circuits, since they are pumped anyway, but I already have the Mity-vac and I don't really want to spend another $45 unless its necessary.

[DrPaul]

I'm getting ready to take on a brake fluid flush on the ABS system. I've read the manuals and postings and think I understand the procedure pretty well. My question is this: In everything I've seen, I've not seen many comments on the best way to bleed those six control circuit bleeders. I know to do them in the correct order, but can I use a Mity-vac for that? I'm putting speedbleeders on the wheel circuits, since they are pumped anyway, but I already have the Mity-vac and I don't really want to spend another $45 unless its necessary.

Unless air is introduced into the system, you won't likely have to do much more than just crack them open in order and verify you are getting fresh fluid at each bleed point. You won't really need your Mity-Vac for the control circuits and I wouldn't waste money on Speed-Bleeders for the ABS unit. I do like them however on the calipers.

[cycleman2]

If your not in a hurry, you can put a length of tubing on each wheel cylinder allow it to hang down into a jar or container on the floor. Crack open each bleeder and let it drip away. Fill the reservoir as needed. Let gravity do the work for you.

The fluid that really needs changed is in the wheel cylinders. Let it drip away until it clears up.

[DrPaul]

If your not in a hurry, you can put a length of tubing on each wheel cylinder allow it to hang down into a jar or container on the floor. Crack open each bleeder and let it drip away. Fill the reservoir as needed. Let gravity do the work for you. The fluid that really needs changed is in the wheel cylinders. Let it drip away until it clears up.

The OPs question was specific to the control circuits on the R1150RT. Just making sure we are all on the same page...

[DARKCLOUD]

I thought the 1150RT had a sealed brake system?

[mpmarty]

I thought the 1150RT had a sealed brake system?

It needs the fluid changed (dot 4) at two year intervals. Not a difficult job but it has to be done correctly. Hardest part is R&I gas tank.

[gporterie]

I'm getting ready to take on a brake fluid flush on the ABS system. I've read the manuals and postings and think I understand the procedure pretty well. My question is this: In everything I've seen, I've not seen many comments on the best way to bleed those six control circuit bleeders. I know to do them in the correct order, but can I use a Mity-vac for that? I'm putting speedbleeders on the wheel circuits, since they are pumped anyway, but I already have the Mity-vac and I don't really want to spend another $45 unless its necessary.

Here is the procedure I'm using on my 2002 RT, from AdvRider and another forum:

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/service_abs3.pdf
and
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom...ng_adapter.pdf


After reading about possible leakage, I decided to forgo the cost of SpeedBleeders for each fitting. Instead, I have been using a drain tube and container, with the one way valve that Paul Glaves posted:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=49537
and
http://www.amazon.com/K-D-Tools-2538.../dp/B000CO9NXY

I'm still on the wheel circuits, so control circuits will be next. So far, so good....

[gporterie]

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom...ng_adapter.pdf

Instead of making my own filling adapter, I bought one here:
http://beemerboneyard.com/abs3funnel.html

[Jade]

Thanks for your replies. I appreciate the feedback. Gporterie, I also ordered the fill tool from Beemerboneyard. Made a lot more sense than trying to make one for the same price.

[rhyeks]

The Jim Von Baden R1200 DVD was very helpful to me. It has the brake procedure and shows the funnel tool you purchased being used. Although it is for the 1200, it has the brake procedure you need for your 1150.

[gporterie]

The Jim Von Baden R1200 DVD was very helpful to me. It has the brake procedure and shows the funnel tool you purchased being used. Although it is for the 1200, it has the brake procedure you need for your 1150.

I also found this DVD very helpful. However, the ABS unit on the R1200GS is a little different than the R1150RT. Here's the R1200GS from Jim's video. My next post will show mine.

[gporterie]

mine.

The document I posted earlier prompted me to use a 19mm open end wrench to open the wheel circuit reservoirs VERY CAREFULLY.

[gporterie]

Finished changing the brake fluid in my front and rear ABS metering and control circuits!

Because I used the drain tube with one way valve into a container, I didn't have to buy speedbleeders. I was unable to get the 7mm wrench down onto the integral circuit bleeders (the front and rear #2's in the document I posted). However, I think I got most of the fluid changed via the metering and control bleeders (#1's and #3's). Somewhere I remember someone saying BMW issued a service update no longer requiring techs to do all 6 of these??

I don't know how long ago previous owner(s) changed the brake fluids, but the old fluid that came out of the wheel circuits and the front control circuits was root beer color. I'm guessing at least 24k miles and 2 years ago. The rear control fluid came out less colored, but it did have quite a few "floaters" in it. I used Valvoline for the new brake fluid, and it is clear with a very slight yellow tinge.

On to the clutch fluid change....

[scootrp125x]

On to the clutch fluid change....

Check out this link if you run into a problem with the clutch bleeder on your bike. I see you have a 2002 model which should be okay. I have a 2004 which caused me a few problems.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthre...ghlight=clutch

[gporterie]

Check out this link if you run into a problem with the clutch bleeder on your bike. I see you have a 2002 model which should be okay. I have a 2004 which caused me a few problems.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthre...ghlight=clutch

Thanks -- that thread is very helpful for anyone having to deal with removal of the clutch fluid filling adapter!