'83 Venture brake bleeding issue

[Chuckasaurus]

I just got an '83 Venture, and the brake lever seemed pretty soft, so I checked the fluid in the reservoir at the front brake lever (it was full). I decided to bleed the brakes, and I started with the right front caliper, which bled as it was supposed to, and started giving a little more pressure to the brake lever. So I proceeded to the left front caliper, and it won't bleed at all. Do I need to use a vacuum bleeder on this? And I did some searching on this forum, and someone mentioned the back brake line is connected to the front brake line. Is this true? I've never had such a time bleeding a brake caliper before.

[MiCarl]

Unless someone modified it the hand lever only works the right front caliper. The left caliper is operated by the pedal, along with the rear caliper.

 

Depending on the method you're using to bleed it you might have an air bubble trapped at the master cylinder. The way to get that bubble is to crack the banjo bolt, gently squeeze the lever and re tighten the bolt before releasing the lever. I do it until I get fluid with no bubbles in it. I like to have a helper to work the lever while I do the banjo bolt. CAUTION: Brake fluid will chew up that black ABS on the cowl panels almost immediately. Lots of rags and be careful.

 

If that doesn't do it you might have a bad master cylinder.

[SpencerPJ]

I've had this issue with my 83. It is indeed your foot brake linked to rear brake and front left. For me, the air got trapped in a proportioning valve right under fairing, mounted to fork. I loosened line going to front left brake at that valve, and then bled that point as normal, then the front left again as normal. That proportioning valve is the high point, and air rest there.

 

Other smarter ones will chime in with the more technical terms. Also, that brake reservoir for rear and front left is a separate one, right side of bike, under the plastic.

 

Here is another thread that will explain

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?132600-83-Venture-back-brake-issue&highlight=brake+bleed

 

 

PS: Welcome to the Forum. $12 membership will get you full access to easy searches, and access and downloads to the service manuals. Hands down worth every penny.

Edited December 9, 2017 by SpencerPJ

[MiCarl]

There is not proportioning valve on the hand brake. It's on the rear/left front.

 

The right front caliper and master cylinder is exactly as you expect them to be.