Change Brake Fluid Every 2 Years?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
You are also supposed to change brake lines every 4 years too. I think it's just to avoid a lawsuit. But those rubber lines suck anyway, braided lines the brake feel is way better.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
I know of no one that changes it. I myself have only seen my fluid get black. I will admit that in my vehicle I have sucked the reservoir down with a turkey baster and put in new and again later until it stays pretty much clear. People think im **** for even doing that.
I have changed my clutch fluid only to have it turn grey again by the end of the day.
I have changed my clutch fluid only to have it turn grey again by the end of the day.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 378
Likes: 100
From: PA
The dealer I visit charges $100 front and rear to hook your bike to the digitech and properly change your brake fluid. Even if it's aggravating, it's worth it.
Call a spade a spade, this should be a recall.
Last edited by PPearl; Jun 23, 2017 at 07:55 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,083
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I know of no one that changes it. I myself have only seen my fluid get black. I will admit that in my vehicle I have sucked the reservoir down with a turkey baster and put in new and again later until it stays pretty much clear. People think im **** for even doing that.
I have changed my clutch fluid only to have it turn grey again by the end of the day.
I have changed my clutch fluid only to have it turn grey again by the end of the day.
Last edited by Uncle Larry; Jun 23, 2017 at 08:02 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,070
Likes: 5,321
Maybe I don't understand brake systems, but I'll ask my question and post my thoughts at the risk of sounding ignorant.
Are hydraulic brake lines, seals and mechanical connections so porous that in two years brake fluid becomes contaminated to the point that it's unsafe? I'm a skeptic by nature, so I'm really having a hard time wrapping my brain around this, especially since I've owned four-wheeled vehicles for 5, 10 and more years and they have never had the brake fluid changed in any of them. In fact, I've never had a dealership or mechanic ever suggest it and from my research I found that Chevrolet (GM) says 150,000 miles or 10 years. Ford, Chrysler and Toyota don't even list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
I know there have been instances where H-D ABS systems have failed and that the NHTSA is looking into it. Of course, Harley claims the failures are a result of owners ignoring the brake fluid maintenance schedule, but I suspect the ABS modules are failing because of inferior components and not because of moisture contamination of the brake fluid. Now, they're sending notices to owners in an attempt to cover their butts. It's been almost a year and to my knowdge the NHTSA hasn't released their findings. What's taking so long? Are there back-room shenanigans going on and deals being made? Probably so because Harley doesn't want to recall 430,000 bikes.
Are hydraulic brake lines, seals and mechanical connections so porous that in two years brake fluid becomes contaminated to the point that it's unsafe? I'm a skeptic by nature, so I'm really having a hard time wrapping my brain around this, especially since I've owned four-wheeled vehicles for 5, 10 and more years and they have never had the brake fluid changed in any of them. In fact, I've never had a dealership or mechanic ever suggest it and from my research I found that Chevrolet (GM) says 150,000 miles or 10 years. Ford, Chrysler and Toyota don't even list brake fluid as a regular maintenance item.
I know there have been instances where H-D ABS systems have failed and that the NHTSA is looking into it. Of course, Harley claims the failures are a result of owners ignoring the brake fluid maintenance schedule, but I suspect the ABS modules are failing because of inferior components and not because of moisture contamination of the brake fluid. Now, they're sending notices to owners in an attempt to cover their butts. It's been almost a year and to my knowdge the NHTSA hasn't released their findings. What's taking so long? Are there back-room shenanigans going on and deals being made? Probably so because Harley doesn't want to recall 430,000 bikes.
Last edited by GalvTexGuy; Jun 23, 2017 at 09:40 AM.
I saw every two years in the manual, nothing about every 10K. Where did the 10K come from? If it's really every 10K, which seems like overkill, then I should have had mine done 9 times in the last three years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
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