TheSamba.com :: View topic - how to bleed steering/cutter/tractor brakes?

Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:45 am

I know I will get pounded about the search function but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

I need to know the correct procedure for bleeding dual handle steering brakes.

thanks a lot in advance!

Mon Feb 25, 2013 10:47 am

I've had the same problem in the past and hope someone chimes in.

Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:42 pm

First question, is the steering brake mounted higher than the master cylinder?
If it is the use of a residual check valve is needed to keep steering brake from bleeding back to M/C.
Raising the back end of the vehicle so wheel cylinders are higher than M/C will help for air to flow up and out bleeders.
This is what I do to bleed mine.

Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:28 pm

Fill the master cylinder reservoir 3/4 full with clean, fresh brake fluid.
Push and hold the pedal down.
Open the bleeder valve on the caliper, or wheel cylinder furthest from pedal.
Hold it down.
Stroke through the steering brake handle on the side you are working on only once.
Close bleeder.
Release steering brake then release pedal.
Repeat until no air is apparent.
Top off fluid.

Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:51 pm

i will be needing this when the snow clears. i have a new one just sitting in the house begging me to put her in.

Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:16 pm

After a week of fill,pump,crack,close,release,pump.....
I had to lift the rear of my woodsbuggy AND pull off the disk brake caliper and lift that. FINALLY was able to use my cutting brake... also look over at woodsbuggy.com, lots of great info for the rails, not that there isn't here but more people with cutters

Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:16 am

Why are you having problems? When the cutting brakes are not applied they behave as a part of the brake lines! I bled my brakes in the traditional "push push hold open close and repeat" way and they are solid!

If you need the check valve mentioned above dont forget to install it as close to the MC as possible.

Let us know how it went!!