Necessary to change brake fluid every 2 years?

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Jun 27, 2017 | 05:11 AM

#21

FLSTC-Dave

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2014

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From: Knob Noster, MO

Just had my 20k maint done on my '14. Asked about the next couple services and told brake fluid flushed at 30k. 30k is the big one. 4.5 hours ect...

Jun 27, 2017 | 05:28 AM

#22

RANGER73

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From: Beyond Fucital

Same holds true for fork oil

Jun 27, 2017 | 06:07 AM

#23

Ex-Leftcoaster

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Joined: Feb 2017

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From: Dark Side of the Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffreydsilver

A braking system is a SEALED SYSTEM! While air and moisture are both able to contaminate brake fluid, if the brake system hasn't been compromised my question would be, how in the world could the brake fluid go bad? While there could be no harm in doing a flush I simply say that it I believe it to be totally unnecessary!

Just like motor oil, heat and age degrades the fluid.

Many on here advocate taking the time and expense to changing the motor oil at the 5K or less miles to help protect the motor. As has been mentioned here, a degraded brake fluid can contribute to reduced topping distance. Why not do the same on the brake fluid. That extra 4-5 feet of stopping distance can make the difference some day.

Last edited by Ex-Leftcoaster; Jun 27, 2017 at 06:30 AM. Reason: add'l

Jun 27, 2017 | 06:39 AM

#24

TheGrandPoohBah

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Joined: Jun 2011

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From: Mountain Top, Alabama

I read somewhere that flushing your brake fluid produces fun, tingly feelings.

Jun 27, 2017 | 08:04 AM

#25

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGrandPoohBah

I read somewhere that flushing your brake fluid produces fun, tingly feelings.

I hadn't noticed, but will pay more attention next time!

Jun 27, 2017 | 08:35 AM

#26

ar3inc

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 27

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From: Mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloufoot

I use my myti-vac if I have the system open for repairs. But otherwise I use a 100cc syringe to fill the lower master, & the EZ Bleed screws .

That's pretty smart especially if your vacuum system pulls the fluid quickly. I guess my one complaint about the job was switching from doing the cages' brakes to bikes' is you really need to open and close the valve quickly. Not really a problem but something to pay attention to.
And on the subject of doing it yourself.. When you pull the reservoir cover off, do not flip it over to storing it on the lid. That allows the brake fluid to fall in between the seal and lid, and as you ride you'll have brake fluid oozing out that will need to be cleaned or it messes up the reservoir and possibly the tank underneath. Just use a fresh paper towel to go underneath the seal.