[theothersean]

are brake pads as easy to install as it looks. Or do I need to do anything funky with the calipers like on a cars brakes???

I read the bit about bleeding the brakes, If I want to change the fluid, do I just squeeze out the fluid gently with the brake lever?
--sean--
00zx7R

[theothersean]

I did the pads, damn that was easy
But about the fluid change thing. Isn't putting in new while the old is coming out, going to mix together???

Secondly, I have a bleeder nub on each set of brakes, Left and Right, does it matter wich one I bleed from, or do I need to do both?

[GadgettR1]

Sean I have a mighty vac brake bleeder if you're really interested in bleeding your brakes.... let me know.. you should do one side then the other as far as I know.. at least that's how I've always done em...

[theothersean]

Well, I wouldn't say that I really want to bleed my brakes, I guess I should ask the question. I have close to 15000 miles on my bike and the brakes don't feel as good as they use to so I replaced the pads. Do I need to replace the fluid??? It isn't black in the resivoir, but it is darker than the clutch resivoir.
I just started recently trying my own maintanance, I guess I should get a shop manual for the bike huh??

[GadgettR1]

UHHH YEAH a shop manual is the BEST thing other than the right tools.. lol... ya gotta have a factory manual for ya toys dude... anyways.. replacing the fluid won't hurt it.. you should also consider going to stainless or kevlar lines while your doing it they can make a big difference also and if ya gonna change the fluid might as well do it at the same time.. also changes in pad composition can make big differences also but sometimes at the expense of rotor wear.. either way if ya wanna use the vac it's yours.. if I'm not around (ie this weekend with Stoner and crew.. Jen will give it to you)

[theothersean]

" jen will give it to you" ?
Chip. I appreciate the offer, but I am a happily married man.
well I guess I'll "wear in " the new pads and go from there.
I'll let you know if I need to borrow the bleeder. Thanks

[GadgettR1]

LOL.. okey dokey

[Stoneman]

Bleeding the brakes is a piece of cake. You should start by bleeding the brake line that travels farthest from your master cylinder. In which case it would probably be the caliper on the left side. Then do the right side. It's a lot easier to do with two people, one to squeeze the lever and refill the reservoir, one to turn the bleed screws...

If'n ya want some quick directions, gimme a yell. I'll email 'em to ya!

[theothersean]

Yeh but what I need to know is why? And is bleeding enough? when will I know its time to change the fluid?

I am not mechanically retarded I am just new to the M.C. mechanics.

[Stoneman]

Bleeding 'em will give you better feel and feedback. In your case tho, I wouldn't just bleed 'em. I'd change the fluid all together. It's a good habit to get into when buying used bikes anyway...

You'll know when to bleed 'em 1) if you see air bubbles in the reservoir, and 2) when the fluid turns brown...

I bleed mine about once or twice a year, and change the fluid all together every coupla years...

[theothersean]

Kewl, thanks, but it was the brakes on the zx7 I changed. Yeh its only 2 years old but I put 15,000 miles on it already, and the brakes just didn't feel right.
Who knows, maybe I didn't even need to change the pads, just bleed the lines, Oh well better to change early, than late.

Thanks for all the help