Loose Bleeder Valve

Gorilla · Oct 23, 2009

Please check your front caliber bleeder valves. There are 2 on each caliper. MJ came real close to crashing today. We were going down I-295 near Jacksonville and a State Trooper crossed the road in front of 4 lanes of traffic for a broke down vehicle. Well cars started slowing real fast. MJ was behind me and as she push on the brakes they went to the floor. She was able to miss me by swinging to the right and using the parking brake to stop. We got her to a gas station and I checked the pedal which indeed went to the floor. I first looked at the calipers and saw a small puddle of fluid under the left front caliper. I started feeling around the caliper and found the bottom bleeder screw loose. I filled the brake fluid tank and bleed the caliper, brakes restored. For some reason it was either not tight from the factory or vibration made it come loose. PLEASE CHECK a crash can happen.

Nana · Oct 24, 2009

OMG!!!! I'm thankful you and MJ are BOTH ok, Ted! Guess a little drama and adrenalin keeps the mind sharp though

Mattel · Oct 27, 2009

The break system is designed so you will not loose all your breaks if the front or the rear looses pressure. Although the breaks will go all the way to the ground you should have some stopping ability from the back breaks. It happened to me. Using your emergency break also is another back up, I did the same because it is a weird feeling when the ped goes to the floor.

Champion Trikes · Oct 27, 2009

This is due either to a vibration or Factory Issue as we at Champion do not touch the front Brakes on the Harley's.

ultraboy · Oct 27, 2009

I believe Ted is talking about the Stallion. Wow, I'll bet she has some pucker factor in there somewhere! Glad she is OK.

Nana · Oct 27, 2009

Since Ted & MJ's Stallion has over 10K miles on it, its hard to imagine it could have left the factory loose and not have already leaked, so it seems reasonable that its due to time and vibration. Wouldn't it be wise to periodically check this on ALL trikes?

Markie · Oct 27, 2009

About a month ago I had to replace the brake proportioning valve (located on the underside of the brake reservoir) due to it leaking and causing the brake pedal to become "mushy" & leaving little brake fluid puddles everywhere a stop was made. As part of this replacement bleeding of the brake system was required. As far as my rig (#353) was concerned none of the bleeder screws were loose prior to bleeding the brakes.

Papa Zook · Oct 27, 2009

Nana said:
Since Ted & MJ's Stallion has over 10K miles on it, its hard to imagine it could have left the factory loose and not have already leaked, so it seems reasonable that its due to time and vibration. Wouldn't it be wise to periodically check this on ALL trikes?

Id have to agree with you Nana. And yes this would be something that every trike owner would be wise to check periodically along with rear wheel lug nuts, triple tree pinch bolts...really every nut and bolt, bleeder valve, brake line, etc on the trike should be safety checked from time to time as a matter of habit.

Gorilla · Oct 27, 2009

Well MJ's Stallion is a replacement one. This one only had a little over 1k on it. The rear brakes did not have hardly any stopping grip at all. She flew by us with the panic look on her face. I believe the valve was not completely seated and it vibrated loose. I do check most visible nuts and bolts on both trikes. I was just giving everyone a heads up to just give that valve a little check. I've never had one vibrate loose even on all my Harley's. Bottom line she was okay.

rudedogg · Feb 14, 2010

can someone tell me the how to get to and fill the brake fluid tank ....Thanks

WildBillH · Feb 14, 2010

Hello rudedogg,<br />
<br />
The dealer showed me where it was from under the seat. Getting to it was another problem. I have not had to add fluid but if it did my plan was to put it up on ramps so i could get under it and remove the lid. I will use a small funnel with a clear flexible hose i can poor brake fluid through. <br />
<br />
If you come up with a better way let me know. My concern is contaminating the break fluid when the lid is off. Can't see very well, not easy to clean and difficult to get to.

Mattel · Feb 14, 2010

Adding break fluid on the road is a snap if you know where to look for that dam thing and you have a smaller bottle to get up in that small space. Pull one rear wheel up on a curb if you can, or even if you can't slide up under the rear of the bike and you will see a car type break fluid resorvor. Pop the lid off, and use a small bottle to pour in the break fluid. If you don't have a small bottle, you can use a drink bottle as long as it is clean.

Gorilla · Feb 14, 2010

When I fixed the problem I had as Mattel discribed. I put the left rear tire up on a 5 to 6 inch curb. This gave me plenty of room to slide under and remove the cap on the tank. I used a pint bottle of fluid and had no trouble filling the tank. With the seat removed enough light gets through to let you see what you are doing. The tank can not be easily seen from above.

Mr.Wizard · Feb 15, 2010

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Champion Trikes</strong>
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<div class="message">This is due either to a vibration or Factory Issue as we at Champion do not touch the front Brakes on the Harley's.</div>

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</div>Huh? You factory guys actually monitor us??<br />
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OK everybody... let's pile on the new guy!! <img src="images/smilies/redface.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Blush" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

Mattel · Feb 15, 2010

Don't scare them off!

Gorilla · Feb 17, 2010

What was strange to me is that Champion thought it was their conversion I was writing about on the Stallion forum.

Mr.Wizard · Feb 17, 2010

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tmigala</strong>
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<div class="message">What was strange to me is that Champion thought it was their conversion I was writing about on the Stallion forum.</div>

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</div>Yup... they are here watching, reading, stalking us like a shadow on a sunny day but it's just not Champion.... shusssshhhhhh, we don't want to wake them up. Leaning back on the other thread, our positive attitudes and everyone's eagerness to help out makes this site easy for them to scan.<br />
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So...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><font color="Blue">Welcome to TT all you factory slugs!! </font></font></div>

Greydog · Feb 17, 2010

Although this thread is not directed at a Champion product I'm happy to see them here!! They make a great kit and this forum is a good place to see a really honest review of that kit and various accessories. Welcome Champion!!!

BIG AL · Feb 17, 2010

Glad to hear no-one was hurt and the fix was not hard to do , a good pre trip is always a good idea

Gorilla · Feb 17, 2010

I did a good pre trip as I have for over 40 years. This happened about 1000 miles into a several day excursion. When a bleed valve comes loose it is not something that is visible or gradual. It gets to the point where it is no longer restraining fluid and wonelly no brakes.<br />
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Now to my Harley/Champion <br />
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Dear factory rep. I LOVE MY CHAMPION and I really do.