clutch master cylinder rebuild

[ironranger]

Last week while riding I lost all my clutch hydraulics. Put a new kit in the clutch master cylinder and have tried to bleed it. Loosened the banjo bolt first to clear the air out of the master cylinder and then tried to bleed it. Didn't work --so tried a reverse bleed. Nothing so far. Have used 1/2 quart brake fluid so far. Any other suggestions would help. 84 Interstate Thanks

[ksigurdsen]

I have used a 2-step process on my 1984 Aspencade. 1) Use a master cylinder bench bleeding kit to get the bubbles out of the master cylinder. Put a plastic fitting (in place of the banjo fitting / brake hose) then loop the clear tubing back into the reservoir. You can see the air move as you press the piston. I use a screw driver to stroke the piston fully, not the clutch lever. 2) Connect the banjo fitting / brake hose back then use a Mighty Vac vacuum bleeder to get the air out of the brake line via the slave cylinder. There are other ways but this is the one I prefer.

[WingAdmin]

Last week while riding I lost all my clutch hydraulics. Put a new kit in the clutch master cylinder and have tried to bleed it. Loosened the banjo bolt first to clear the air out of the master cylinder and then tried to bleed it. Didn't work --so tried a reverse bleed. Nothing so far. Have used 1/2 quart brake fluid so far. Any other suggestions would help. 84 Interstate Thanks

When you say you "lost all your clutch hydraulics" - what do you mean by this? The clutch fluid leaked out? The clutch stopped working? You said you rebuilt the master cylinder but that it's still not working and you can't bleed it. Is it possible the problem is with the slave cylinder?

[ironranger]

I did not lose any fluid or have any leaks. The clutch lever just finally had no resistance to hydraulics.
I assumed the master cylinder seals had failed. I considered the slave cylinder but I am unaware as to how to verify that is the problem. Will have a vacuum bleeder in a couple of days and will try that.
Thanks

[ironranger]

Many thanks to ksigurdsen----tried your two step method and it works perfectly. Thanks for all your help. Took less than 20 min. Would suggest this method for all Goldwing owners.
Iron Ranger-now I can ride again.