Brake fluid change
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 887
Likes: 133
From: Upstate NY
Brake fluid change
Do you guys change out your brake fluid when you put new pads on. If so, how are you doing it? Do you just suck the fluid out of the reservoir and replace it?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 465
Likes: 5
From: Cleveland, Ohio
I replace mine every two years. I believe that is what the service manual calls for as well.
I use a little cheapie vacuum bleeder I bought at Harbor Freight. I get a big container of DOT5. I use half to bleed the front break and half to bleed the back break. Here is a link Vacuum Bleeder.
I use a little cheapie vacuum bleeder I bought at Harbor Freight. I get a big container of DOT5. I use half to bleed the front break and half to bleed the back break. Here is a link Vacuum Bleeder.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
let me be the first to recomend Speed Bleeders. They make it easy. I use an old turkey baster to pull out most of ther old fluid (Not all don't risk air getting in line) Fill master and slowly pump new fluid through until fresh comes out the bleeder. I use 2 bottles one half for each front and one half for rear flush and top off with last half.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
let me be the first to recomend Speed Bleeders. They make it easy. I use an old turkey baster to pull out most of ther old fluid (Not all don't risk air getting in line) Fill master and slowly pump new fluid through until fresh comes out the bleeder. I use 2 bottles one half for each front and one half for rear flush and top off with last half.
Question on same subject is if the bike has ABS can you still use a myte vac or speed bleeders to flush/replace brake fluid?
I ask that because i could swear i read someplace you have to take the bike to dealer for brake fulid change because SUPPOSEDLY a computer is required to do so with ABS and dont know if thats really the case or not and would like to do that to my 09 FLHTCU if i possible.
So whats the verdict on it?
Scott
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 14
From: Seattle
======================
Question on same subject is if the bike has ABS can you still use a myte vac or speed bleeders to flush/replace brake fluid?
I ask that because i could swear i read someplace you have to take the bike to dealer for brake fulid change because SUPPOSEDLY a computer is required to do so with ABS and dont know if thats really the case or not and would like to do that to my 09 FLHTCU if i possible.
So whats the verdict on it?
Scott
Question on same subject is if the bike has ABS can you still use a myte vac or speed bleeders to flush/replace brake fluid?
I ask that because i could swear i read someplace you have to take the bike to dealer for brake fulid change because SUPPOSEDLY a computer is required to do so with ABS and dont know if thats really the case or not and would like to do that to my 09 FLHTCU if i possible.
So whats the verdict on it?
Scott
Also, someone here mentioned use of Dot 5...Mine takes Dot 4 so you'll want to make sure you get the right stuff.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
+1 on dibe's method. The Harbor Freight tool is slicker than snot on a doorknob. First suck out the master cylinder and wipe out with denatured alcohol. You would be amazed how filthy they get. Fill with fresh fluid and start to bleed. Bleed each caliper with the suction from the tool until fresh fluid is seen coming from the bleeder. Make sure to check and refill the master cylinder often so it does not empty and pull air into the lines. Always keep the suction going as you close each bleeder to prevent air from entering at the bleeder threads. When you complete all calipers, you have all the old fluid contained in the tool container and fresh fluid in the whole system. Could not be easier. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and needs to be replaced regularly. I used this method also on a Yamaha FJR with ABS and it worked fine.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
You don't need to take it to the dealer...just don't power up the bike until you've completed the job. I'm a novice but this was an easy job with Speedbleeders.
Also, someone here mentioned use of Dot 5...Mine takes Dot 4 so you'll want to make sure you get the right stuff.
Also, someone here mentioned use of Dot 5...Mine takes Dot 4 so you'll want to make sure you get the right stuff.
Hausguy,thanks for the info,i appreciate it!
Scott
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
Bleeding an ABS system without actuating it means you've only bled part of the system.
Use the right fluid. Dot 5 silicone in a non-abs bike. Dot 3,4,5.1 in an abs bike. Mix at your own peril.
Speed bleeders and vacuum pumps are a way to spend money on methods of brake bleeding that work no better than a bit of tubing and a jar. But, many like them. Run the tubing from the bleeder to the jar, with a bit of fluid in the jar and the end of the tubing in that fluid. Crack the bleeder and let viscosity and gravity do their thing.
Use the right fluid. Dot 5 silicone in a non-abs bike. Dot 3,4,5.1 in an abs bike. Mix at your own peril.
Speed bleeders and vacuum pumps are a way to spend money on methods of brake bleeding that work no better than a bit of tubing and a jar. But, many like them. Run the tubing from the bleeder to the jar, with a bit of fluid in the jar and the end of the tubing in that fluid. Crack the bleeder and let viscosity and gravity do their thing.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Eastern NE