clutch and brake fluid flushes: worth it?
Yes you need to flush it. Dot 4 gets moisture in it and can fail. Had it happen to clutch going over Sonora Pass on a hot summer day. Lots of twisties at 9000 feet. Think about no clutch on a 1000 pound bike with back rider. I had to pull over and let the bike cool off for an hour then clutch worked again. Flushed both when I got home.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
Even the brake fluid manufacturers recommend replacing at two year intervals. It is not dependant on miles just time.
I do mine at the two year interval and it costs less than $1 in fluid ($7 qt at Walmart DOT4).
It only takes 30 minutes, a 3/8th wrench, a drain tube and a phillips screwdriver.
Does not take a vacuum bleeder either. Just pump out the old fluid by operating the brake lever/pedal.
And yes that works just the same for ABS but uses more fluid to flush fully. Just pay attention and don't introduce air into the system as that will require the dealer to use a digital tech to get the air out.
Are these the same folks that change oil every 2,500 miles and use only a certain brand for "peace of mind."
Not changing the fluid is like playing Russian Roulette or riding on tires with the belts showing.
On a skill level of 1 to 10 it hardly qualifies as a 1.
The cost at a dealer is many times as outrageous as the oil change price.
I do mine at the two year interval and it costs less than $1 in fluid ($7 qt at Walmart DOT4).
It only takes 30 minutes, a 3/8th wrench, a drain tube and a phillips screwdriver.
Does not take a vacuum bleeder either. Just pump out the old fluid by operating the brake lever/pedal.
And yes that works just the same for ABS but uses more fluid to flush fully. Just pay attention and don't introduce air into the system as that will require the dealer to use a digital tech to get the air out.
Are these the same folks that change oil every 2,500 miles and use only a certain brand for "peace of mind."
Not changing the fluid is like playing Russian Roulette or riding on tires with the belts showing.
On a skill level of 1 to 10 it hardly qualifies as a 1.
The cost at a dealer is many times as outrageous as the oil change price.
Correct me if I'm mistaken.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Fairfax County, VA
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Columbia SC
Hi 2015 Limited, 124,000 km (77,000 miles), brakes and clutch perform as new.........is it really worth it to get the DOT 4 flushed? Fluid color looks fine through the windows. I'm a bit of a "ain't broke don't fix" kind of guy. If I do go ahead, what should I expect in terms of labor hours?
If so ...
Then you should be changing your brake fluid as required in the owners manual every two years.
Takes less then an hour and easy to do yourself ... or have the dealer do it for a $100 or so.
If you do it yourself, this actually makes it fun to do.
https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-...kit-63391.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
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From: Illinois
I used up both 1 quart containers for the work and will buy new when next years lot comes up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Plover, WI
I have 24 bikes and 11 were due this winter. However I put a small hole in the seal with a needle then reseal with tape. It is good for two years that way. Just as sealed as the master cylinder for the same time period.
I used up both 1 quart containers for the work and will buy new when next years lot comes up.
I used up both 1 quart containers for the work and will buy new when next years lot comes up.