Air in the brake line: When replacing brake pads, it is possible for air to enter the brake line. Air in the brake line can cause a soft or spongy brake lever, and it can also lead to the caliper not working properly. To remedy this, a process called brake bleeding is necessary to remove the air from the brake system.
Brake bleeding involves applying pressure to the brake fluid in the brake line to force the air bubbles out of the system. Here are the general steps to properly bleed the front brakes of a Honda CR85:
1. Gather your tools and materials: You'll need a brake bleeding kit, which typically includes a brake fluid reservoir, a transparent hose, a wrench, and a flat-head screwdriver.
2. Prepare the brake fluid reservoir: Fill the brake fluid reservoir with fresh brake fluid of the recommended type specified in your Honda CR85's owner's manual.
3. Attach the transparent hose to the bleeder screw: The bleeder screw is usually located on the top or side of the caliper. Remove the dust cap from the bleeder screw and attach one end of the transparent hose to it.
4. Submerge the other end of the hose: The other end of the transparent hose should be submerged in a container filled with brake fluid. This helps prevent air from being sucked back into the brake line.
5. Open the bleeder screw slightly: Use a wrench to turn the bleeder screw counterclockwise until brake fluid starts to drip slowly out of the bleeder screw and into the container. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the reservoir and make sure it does not drop too low.
6. Apply pressure to the brake lever: While the bleeder screw is open, have an assistant apply pressure to the front brake lever. As they squeeze the lever, you should observe air bubbles rising in the transparent hose.
7. Close the bleeder screw and release the brake lever: Once you're done applying pressure to the brake lever, close the bleeder screw by turning it clockwise until it's snug. Have your assistant release the brake lever.
8. Repeat the process: Repeat steps 5 to 7 until you see no more air bubbles when applying pressure to the brake lever.
Remember to keep an eye on the brake fluid level in the reservoir and maintain proper fluid levels throughout the bleeding process. Once you're done bleeding the front brake system, test the brake lever to make sure it feels firm and responsive. If the caliper is still not working correctly after completing these steps, it's recommended to consult with a professional mechanic to further diagnose and resolve the issue.
