Hi, I have just bought one of the above. Naturally the front brakes are sticking and need a rebuild. A) Are there any suppliers able to sell kits at the moment? B) As the bike has ABS, is there a special technique for bleeding? I can’t see any bleed nipple on the ABS pump??
A) I have no idea at the current time. B) Bleed them as normal brakes. I had an ST4s ABS with the same system and had no problem bleeding the brakes. Unless in operation the ABS unit valves are closed so there should be no air inside it. If you are just changing the fluid you should have no problems. If the system is dry you may have to bleed it at the ABS banjos by placing a rag to absorb any spillage, cracking the nut slightly loose, pulling the lever,then tightening the banjo again before releasing the lever. Hopefully this won't be necessary.
Many thanks, looks like a goer! Any ideas on suppliers? Where would be good to buy Ducati parts from in ‘normal times’?
A couple of tips if you are removing the calipers for maintenance Tie the front brake lever so that it is held partially on.The piston will block the bleed hole back to the master cylinder. You will lose some fluid when you undo the banjos but since air can't get in at the master cylinder it won't continue to run out. When you undo the banjos fit a 10mm bolt with washers either side, and preferably fibre washers under them, then do a up nut to hold them in place. Not only will this prevent further fluid loss but it will stop air getting in at the banjo and bubbles travelling up the line to the higher points making it more difficult to bleed afterwards. If they are not leaking your calipers may not need rebuilding. You should try pushing the pistons out as far as you dare without them popping out, then give them a good clean with brake cleaner and cotton buds. Smear them with red rubber grease then push them back in again and see how they behave.
Not sure what brake parts they can supply but Avanti Race Parts appears to be open at the moment by post at least. My ECU (ST4s) is with them for repair currently. Be well advised to talk to the guy Antony. Informed and helpful.
