No ABS on my 2013 Heritage

 

doesn't sound like they flushed them

 

if they are using a meter similar to soil moisture content, then it uses electrical conductivity and it must be heck of a meter to show 4%. i am pretty sure the moco buys in bulk, cannot see them opening individual cans/bottles. that said, if it is pumped from a storage tank, then there has to be a vent of sorts, anywho, not there so ????

 

Meter for brake fluid typically test in the range of 2% to 4%. Anything above 3% and it should be flushed.
Done properly a storage tank for brake fluid would have some sort of moisture free blanket of gas to prevent contamination. Mistakes happen.

 

I'm not in total disbelief (though it COULD have been a lie from the dealership).

I have tested countless bike's brake fluid via the reservoir and have found it varies wildly especially considering the use of DOT 4 on the ABS equipped bikes. Some show >4% moisture as soon as 6 months, most are at around a year.

The two year interval from Harley is optimistic considering the complete garbage gasket system on the reservoirs (ever wonder why the infamous paint peeling reservoir symptom is so common? You have to barely tighten the gasket or it will leak/let air in).

I've been saying this for the past year, check your fluid every year, and likely flush it every year. It's <$10 in brake fluid (and we sell a very easy to use tool if you happen to have ABS as well).

 

Had 78k on my heritage in 6 yrs. never flushed the brakes and actually never heard of it. Ok by no way am I a mechanic. So what are the indicators it needs to be done

 

IMO, any brake fluid that isn't DOT 5 should be flushed every 2 years. If you have a Harley with ABS (which I do) flush it at least every two years or every year if you have the proper equipment and do it yourself. Glycol-based brake fluids, DOT 3, 4, 5.1, etc are hygroscopic. They will absorb moisture should be flushed every couple of years to prevent corrosion. Many have gone much longer on non-ABS systems without problems but once corrosion starts in the brake system, braking may be compromised. Also, as an interesting note, I contacted Prestone and asked what was the shelf life of their DOT 4 in the unopened original container. Their reply, after 2 years from the manufacturing date it should be discarded if it hasn't been put into service. DOT 5 is silicone based which is not hygroscopic but I still flush it every 3 or 4 years if the system hasn't been compromised. DOT 5 is not compatible with ABS.

 

If it's one of the hygroscopic brake fluids you can buy a cheap moisture content meter for brake fluid. Anything 4% or higher is usually considered too high and should warrant a brake system fluid flush.

If not, I would still do it due to possible contamination. 6 years is a very long time (especially on a motorcycle).

 

PTE Tester Calibrated for DOT 4 brake fluids is $6.99 on amazon.

• Quick and easy way to test for moisture content in the brake fluid; results appear in seconds
• LED light indicators show percentage of water in the brake fluid
• Calibrated for cars using DOT 4 brake fluid only (found in most cars produced since 2006)
• Takes 1 x AAA/1.5V battery (included)
• Only takes seconds to know the results