Hello Ducati.MS! New member here looking for some help on the rear brakes/ABS system for my 2016 Flat Track Pro. I did search the forum before posting but was unable to locate a similar thread in existence. I also tried posting in ScramblerForum.com but unfortunately it's pretty quiet over there...a user suggested I might have more luck on here so here goes:
Background:
I recently installed an SC Project full exhaust system (https://shop.sc-project.com/en-IT/4194_D16A-CL42A-Full-Exhaust-System-2-1.htm) on my bike. Looks & sounds great IMO - but it was a pain in the ass to get the factory vertical cylinder header pipe out and the SC Project header pipe on. For ease of access to the header & exhaust studs I removed pretty much everything under the seat (pictures below). As a result - the ABS module had to be completely drained and removed.
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My Problem:
To my surprise, everything went back together without much fuss and I thought I was in the clear. When it came time to re-install the ABS module I followed the service manual exactly...torqued the banjo bolts to spec and used new crush washers, etc.
When it was time to bleed the brakes I was able to get all of the air out and fully bleed the front brake without issue. Unfortunately I have not had any success with bleeding the rear brake.
To date I have tried the "Old Fashioned" pump the brakes and crack the bleed screw method, using a "Mityvac Bleeder" to pull fluid through the system, and even a syringe to try and push fluid through the system from the rear brake bleed screw...all without success.
I have confirmed that the rear master cylinder is operational as I have pressure in the hose when I pump it with my hand and cover the fitting with my fingers. I went a step further and Bled the ABS module itself at the upper banjo bolt for the rear brakes as well...still nothing. So I know that fluid at a minimum is located between the master cylinder and the top of the ABS module...but for whatever reason I cannot force it through in either direction and down to the rear caliper.
I spoke to my local Ducati Dealership and was told that there is a special Ducati tool required to purge the ABS module when it is completely drained and that I will have to take my bike in to them and have it performed. I have not been able to find anything out there in forums or on youtube confirming this unfortunately. I am wondering if anyone has any tricks to fully bleed the rear brake system when it has been completely drained as I have done. Or is it accurate that a Ducati diagnostic tool or something like that needs to be hooked up to the ECU in order to tell it to purge the system of air??
I just can't figure out why the front would bleed without issue after also being completely drained and having to go through the same module...but here I am. Bike does not throw any CEL codes/errors and front brakes work fine.
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Apologies for the long post but I wanted to be as thorough as possible to help with any possible diagnosis. Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
TLDR - Introduced air to the ABS system and cannot bleed rear brakes. Anyone run into and solve similar issue?
Background:
I recently installed an SC Project full exhaust system (https://shop.sc-project.com/en-IT/4194_D16A-CL42A-Full-Exhaust-System-2-1.htm) on my bike. Looks & sounds great IMO - but it was a pain in the ass to get the factory vertical cylinder header pipe out and the SC Project header pipe on. For ease of access to the header & exhaust studs I removed pretty much everything under the seat (pictures below). As a result - the ABS module had to be completely drained and removed.
My Problem:
To my surprise, everything went back together without much fuss and I thought I was in the clear. When it came time to re-install the ABS module I followed the service manual exactly...torqued the banjo bolts to spec and used new crush washers, etc.
When it was time to bleed the brakes I was able to get all of the air out and fully bleed the front brake without issue. Unfortunately I have not had any success with bleeding the rear brake.
To date I have tried the "Old Fashioned" pump the brakes and crack the bleed screw method, using a "Mityvac Bleeder" to pull fluid through the system, and even a syringe to try and push fluid through the system from the rear brake bleed screw...all without success.
I have confirmed that the rear master cylinder is operational as I have pressure in the hose when I pump it with my hand and cover the fitting with my fingers. I went a step further and Bled the ABS module itself at the upper banjo bolt for the rear brakes as well...still nothing. So I know that fluid at a minimum is located between the master cylinder and the top of the ABS module...but for whatever reason I cannot force it through in either direction and down to the rear caliper.
I spoke to my local Ducati Dealership and was told that there is a special Ducati tool required to purge the ABS module when it is completely drained and that I will have to take my bike in to them and have it performed. I have not been able to find anything out there in forums or on youtube confirming this unfortunately. I am wondering if anyone has any tricks to fully bleed the rear brake system when it has been completely drained as I have done. Or is it accurate that a Ducati diagnostic tool or something like that needs to be hooked up to the ECU in order to tell it to purge the system of air??
I just can't figure out why the front would bleed without issue after also being completely drained and having to go through the same module...but here I am. Bike does not throw any CEL codes/errors and front brakes work fine.
Apologies for the long post but I wanted to be as thorough as possible to help with any possible diagnosis. Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
TLDR - Introduced air to the ABS system and cannot bleed rear brakes. Anyone run into and solve similar issue?
