Change Brake Fluid Every 2 Years?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
Likes: 57,083
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,070
Likes: 5,321
Yeah, but I would argue there are more porous brake lines, seals and connections for moisture to enter the system. Have you ever measured the moisture content in your bike's brake fluid after two years?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
Try Speedbleeders. I can do front and rear brakes easily by myself in less that half an hour.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 517
From: georgia
as a matter of fact when my 5000 mile service was done after owning my SGS for 14 months it was checked and was flushed as part of the service plan I bought for 15000 miles , I was also informed it is done again at 15000 miles I even flushed my other bike every 2 years regardless of mileage and they both were stored inside its to much money not to maintain them
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
My dealer gave me a printed recommended service schedule when I bought the Road King in December 2011. At every 5000 mile service interval it says "Check brake fluid for leaks, levels and condition." Next to each of those entries is an asterisk. At the bottom of the page the asterisk is explained--"Recommend changing brake fluid every 2 years."
I scan and save all this stuff, so I had the service interval schedule for my 2008 Sportster too. It was exactly the same.
Oh, and I have mine changed every 2 years.
I scan and save all this stuff, so I had the service interval schedule for my 2008 Sportster too. It was exactly the same.
Oh, and I have mine changed every 2 years.
Last edited by TKDKurt; Jun 23, 2017 at 08:32 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
The harley I run dot 5. The yamaha(dot 4) is only a year old so next year I'll just flush them, probably go braided line in the front for the street. Rear is fine as is.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
The Mighty Vac can be tricky. They can be extremely good at moving a lot of fluid. But if they're not sealed well, especially at the bleed screw, it's really hard to tell if you've got a good bleed. I use a zip tie to get as good a seal as possible.
But speed bleeders are a whole nother level. I can get a good bleed in 1/3 the time of other methods. Someone on another post, or was it this one, said something derogatory about bragging about spending money and they were proud to bleed brakes with a tube and jar for free. Well, time is money and the amount of time I save with speed blenders far exceeds the few dollars I spent on speed bleeders.
Last edited by ORradtech; Jun 23, 2017 at 08:03 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Changing fluid applies across the entire motor industry and has done since hydraulic brakes and clutches were introduced, probably long before everyone in here was born. All such fluids need to be changed at regular intervals, to keep the system fully functioning.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
OK, I have planned to pay my dealer to replace front and rear tires, change the brake fluid and do an oil change with 20K mi service next week on the '14 Limited. May even ask to change out that noisy compensator.... Whats a few $100 more when you get that close to a grand.