The CB1100 Community Forum

Hello everyone, I'm back & whining again.

I got around to installing speedbleeders and bleeding the brakes and clutch today. 3 of the speedbleeders worked flawlessly for the brake calipers.
The 4th (for the clutch), got installed and sealed fine. However after the quarter turn and pumping the lever - no fluid came out. I noticed that the fluid was slowly seeping out around the threads when I pumped. I removed the speedbleeder and used the OEM screw to finish bleeding. I noticed that the thread sealant had completely come off this 4th speedbleeder. Basically it seats and seals when tightened fully - but once it is loosened to bleed, the pressure doesn't move the ball, but the fluid leaks around the threads. The OEM screw doesn't have any sealant on it so am wondering if the ball valve somehow is faulty.



I have sent the image to speedbleeder.com asking if there is any way to test the speedbleeder and check if the valve works correctly? Or if it is normal for the sealant to wear off so quickly on the first use. Anyway, I don't think I can reuse this one since all the thread sealant is off. For now I'll just leave the OEM screw on. I just hope the other 3 speedbleeders are fine.

Some of my observations...
1. There is very limited space to install the tube for bleeding the clutch. It took some effort to get the tube on the (speedbleeder and OEM) screw and not have it kink against the starter.
2. My original brake fluids were quite clear - but the clutch fluid was much darker. Supposedly all the fluids were bled in 2018 together - so this was a bit strange.
3. I bought the 946ml bottle of Valvoline DOT4. The fluid I got out into my container after bleeding was less than 200ml - and this would have included some of the new fluid too. This is the first time I was doing it so I wanted to be safe but I think 300ml would be more than enough if everything goes smoothly.
4. It is possible for one person to bleed the clutch fluid with the OEM bleeder. I was getting disheartened when the speedbleeder wouldn't work here - but was relieved to be able to use the OEM bleed screw.

Speed bleeders are great! I put a set on my truck and they work well enough for that, but they do have some manufacturing problems here and there. For my bikes and quads I like this setup a little bit better.
https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0143
With some small clamps this kit really shines. The one way valve works great and with the clear tubing you can see if you are getting air out or not.

I recently got one of those Motive Power Bleeders for my subaru and now I want to get a adapter to use it on my bikes master cylinders. Works amazing

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

Speedbleeder - I just don't see the point in them? For an operation that takes place once every two years they seem an awful waste. All you need is a one way brake bleeding tube, about €7 here from many auto stores. You are going to connect a tube to a speedbleeder anyway? A solution looking for a problem?

(04-29-2022, 04:33 AM)Tev62_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Speedbleeder - I just don't see the point in them? For an operation that takes place once every two years they seem an awful waste. All you need is a one way brake bleeding tube, about €7 here from many auto stores. You are going to connect a tube to a speedbleeder anyway? A solution looking for a problem?

I liked the stainless steel speed bleeders , the tubes from whatever "tool " you use to bleed the brakes just push on the bleeder the same way as no speed bleeders.
Using a vacuum bleeder with an air compressor makes it even easier.
My motto is " if it is easy to do it will get done "

(04-29-2022, 04:33 AM)Tev62_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Speedbleeder - I just don't see the point in them? For an operation that takes place once every two years they seem an awful waste. All you need is a one way brake bleeding tube, about €7 here from many auto stores. You are going to connect a tube to a speedbleeder anyway? A solution looking for a problem?

Lesson learned I guess.
The left front caliper speedbleeder had a small amount of fluid around it when I checked on it today. No sign of fluid around the other brake calipers.

This one isn't loose - it is quite tight. I'm not sure if the fluid came out of the threads or the hole on the top. I've cleaned it and wrapped it with some paper towels - will see how they look tomorrow before I take the bike out for a ride.

Maybe I've been unlucky with these - I know that others have been happy with them.

I used the speed bleeders from the company : Speed Bleeder , there are many companies making them but they are probably the best , also Russell makes great ones.