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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on September 03, 2025, 12:17:25 AM

Title: Stig screws up brake fluid renewal...
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on September 03, 2025, 12:17:25 AM
Not a fan of checking the air in my scooter tires.
But, at least I do it every few weeks, maybe...

But renewing the brake fluid?!@##$$%^@$~!!
Whatever - the spirit moved me this morning - and I bought a bottle of DOT4 and put on the coffee.

It doesn't require a lot of tools.... BUT - will the nipple snap off?! And ruin your whole day.
(https://i.postimg.cc/prd89HNn/20250902-102239.jpg)

 the LIKE opened like a can of beans...
(https://i.postimg.cc/6522FzBw/Capture.jpg)

drop the signals and remove panel fasteners in the headstock...pry at the seam of the headstock with a thin blade, pressing down on the rear edge. I use a cake knife and a pizza cutter. Works well for me.

(https://i.postimg.cc/fyw4m85d/20250902-102648.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkws5vhV/20250902-102949.jpg)

to get access to the fluid reservoirs....and the old fluid. Cover the panels to keep the fluid off of the paint!
(https://i.postimg.cc/J0TFJMsw/20250902-134304.jpg)

Suck out the old with a Mityvac while cracking the nipple open....
see the mistake here...!?*
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jn30RdGH/20250902-123842.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yxQVdqBx/20250902-123809.jpg)

Do not let the reservoir run too low or it will put air in your lines.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fbt0QKcY/20250902-133729.jpg)

I cleaned the sight windows while I was in there....
(https://i.postimg.cc/nz1FyjPv/20250902-124928.jpg)

I put the caps on the reservoir and pulled the brake lever.
Zero resistance. Absolutely nothing!

I had a coffee and wished I still smoked Camels!
I had air in the line.

Hooked up the Mityvac and tried again....then I noticed that while I was using two hands to hold the tire and break the nipple open.....the vac was laying on its side, and I saw bubbles, not fluid coming out in its little tank.

I found a way to set the vac upright and worked the project again. In 5 mins I had a mighty hard pedal!
I went to the rear and found the nipple frozen. I've broken enough crap to know when to s t o p.
Put a little magic spray on it and will try again, some day....

In total I found two attachment points for the little phillips screws were broken. This does not surprise me. This scooter bangs across rough pavement on frigid (15°F) rides out into the boonies. For 12+ years. Frozen plastic can only take so much punishment.

What with dropping screws, forgetting where I put the tools, taking breaks, finding the screws, making mistakes, a flashlight that turns off or signals SOS (not kidding) whenever I point it - I breezed through this in just several hours. Then I made Lasagna for the family - had it ready right on time. So, D+ for wrenching, solid B for cooking!
At least it's no worse for my servicing!
Always - my goal.

Stig

(https://i.postimg.cc/hPVXsvS1/20250902-145920.jpg)
Title: Re: Stig screws up brake fluid renewal...
Post by: Neil955i on September 03, 2025, 09:24:37 AM
Looks a nifty little tool that Mityvac Stig.
Title: Re: Stig screws up brake fluid renewal...
Post by: Iahawk on September 03, 2025, 11:14:00 AM
must have been under that scoot for days, as Neil suggested! I know hidden brake masters look 'clean'....but they are a pain to service!
Title: Re: Stig screws up brake fluid renewal...
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on September 03, 2025, 11:41:26 AM
Looks a nifty little tool that Mityvac Stig.
Basically, you pump handle to create a "suck" on the brake nipple. Then open the nipple with a wrench for a second or two. Draws down the fluid.
But, probably best to put some clean fluid in the vac's 'tank', covering the end of the straw in there - so only fluid, no air, is drawn back into the line.
Now if I can just remember this, the next time!
Stig
Title: Re: Stig screws up brake fluid renewal...
Post by: randyo on September 03, 2025, 07:06:04 PM
I have learned that I don't want to be a wannabe mechanic