Suzuki DR600S - Page 26

PERIODIC
MAINTENANCE
AND
TUNE-UP
PROCEDURES
2-14
WARNING:
Brake fluid, if it leaks, will interfere with safe
running and immediately discolor painted
surfaces.
Check the brake hoses for cracks and hose
joints for leakage before riding.
Brake pads
The extent of brake pad wear can be checked by
observing the limit line () marked on the pad.
When the wear exceeds the limit line, replace the
pads with new ones. (see page 6-6)
Bleeding air from the brake fluid circuit
Air trapped in the fluid circuit acts like a cushion
to absorb a large proportion of the pressure de-
veloped by the master cylinder and thus interferes
with the full braking performance of the brake
caliper. The presence of air is indicated by “‘spongi-
ness’’ of the brake lever and also by lack of braking
force. Considering the danger to which such
trapped air exposes the machine and rider, it is
essential that, after remounting the brake and
restoring the brakesystem to the normal condition,
the brake fluid circuit be purged of air in the
following manner:
e Fill up the master cylinder reservoir to the
upper end of the inspection window. Replace
the reservoir cap to prevent entry of dirt.
e@ Attach a pipe to the caliper bleeder valve, and
insert the free end of the pipe into a receptacle.
e@ Squeeze and release the brake lever several times
in rapid succession, and squeeze the lever fully
without releasing it. Loosen the bleeder valve
by turning it a quarter of a turn so that the
brake fluid runs into the receptacle; this will
remove the tension of the brake lever causing it
to touch the handlebars grip. Then, close the
valve, pump and squeeze the lever, and open the
valve. Repeat this process until the fluid flowing
into the receptacle no longer contains air bub-
bles.
Close the bleeder valve, and disconnect the
pipe. Fill the reservoir to the upper line in
inspection window.
ee
Bleeder valve
tightening torque 45-65 lbft
at |
NOTE:
When bleeding air from the brake fluid
circuit, remove the brake lever adjuster @
from
the
brake
lever
as
shown
in
the
Fig.
above.
After
bleeding
air
from
the
brake
system
is
completed,
install
the
brake
lever
adjuster.
Replenish
the
brake
fluid
reservoir
as
necessary
while
bleeding
the
brake
system.
Make
sure
that
there
is
always
some
fluid
visible in the reservoir.
CAUTION:
Handle
brake
fluid
with
care:
the
fluid
reacts
chemically
with
paint,
plastics,
rubber
ls
materials,
etc.