Break fluid change
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 2,517
From: Lititz Pa
Break fluid change
They recommend changing break fluid every two years on bikes with dot 4 fluid. Now I can do this myself and I do know how. My question is the dealer says they have a computer base fluid changer that's gets every last drop out. It don't cost much to do. I put about 20000 miles a year on bake has 39000 now he said I should be changing soon. I always do my own work from small jobs to full rebuilds This new computer **** sometimes has me going in circles. So should I just let the dealer do it for the $65.00 or do it my self. Please only answer if you know what your talking about.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
I do my own work, and I'm perfectly capable of bleeding brakes; I've done it countless times on motorcycles, cars, etc. over the years. You'll no doubt get varying opinions on this, but according to the service manual, Digital Technician (DT) is required when bleeding the ABS brake system. It ensures that all air and other contaminants are purged from the ABS module that regular bleeding won't do. I was sceptical and asked a dealer about it. They allowed me to watch them bleed a system with DT. In short, after watching the procedure, I'll take mine to the dealer and let them do it the correct way. Brakes are too important to try and save $100 bucks or so.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 2,517
From: Lititz Pa
I do my own work, and I'm perfectly capable of bleeding brakes; I've done it countless times on motorcycles, cars, etc. over the years. You'll no doubt get varying opinions on this, but according to the service manual, Digital Technician (DT) is required when bleeding the ABS brake system. It ensures that all air and other contaminants are purged from the ABS module that regular bleeding won't do. I was sceptical and asked a dealer about it. They allowed me to watch them bleed a system with DT. In short, after watching the procedure, I'll take mine to the dealer and let them do it the correct way. Brakes are too important to try and save $100 bucks or so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
For brake fluid flushing, the digital technician cycles the ABS module in between bleeding the brakes. This ensures that any fluid held in the ABS chambers, gets flushed too. Whether that is absolutely necessary can be debated, but the DT will give a complete flush, that just a normal flush/bleed will not provide.
Many have flushed the brake system, gone for a ride to activate the ABS, then re-bled the brake system.. pretty much same thing as using a DT... it's not rocket science... but it is more work..
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself guy... buy a Daytona Twin Tec Scan II or Twin Tec Scan 4 (depending on canbus or pre-canbus bikes). It will allow you to bleed and flush your ABS brakes just like the dealer, as well as do a bunch of other stuff like: ˇ
KEYFOBS and SECURITY: Program and read key fobs, program PIN and disable security all together.
ACTIVATE MODULES, LIGHTS, and INDICATORS: Test different actuators, lights and indicators and Fuel Pump Drain.
SPEEDOMETER: Sweep test, tachometer sweep test, activate all dash indicators
BODY CONTROL SETTINGS: Read settings in the BCM for ignition switch, radio installed, bank angle sensor for trike installs, fog light function, and ABS installation.
UPDATES FOR LIFE
So you have choices if you'd rather do your own work on your bike.
It's been a long time since I've heard someone say, "I don't think this dealer would steer me wrong." Those dealers are few and far between... and getting rarer... If your dealer is truly one of them, then it'll be easier to let the dealer do it... I don't have one of "them" in my area, so I choose to do it myself...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
You NEED to cycle the ABS module when bleeding the brakes, IF you get air in the system. It's the only way to ensure the complete system has been purged.
For brake fluid flushing, the digital technician cycles the ABS module in between bleeding the brakes. This ensures that any fluid held in the ABS chambers, gets flushed too. Whether that is absolutely necessary can be debated, but the DT will give a complete flush, that just a normal flush/bleed will not provide.
Many have flushed the brake system, gone for a ride to activate the ABS, then re-bled the brake system.. pretty much same thing as using a DT... it's not rocket science... but it is more work..
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself guy... buy a Daytona Twin Tec Scan II or Twin Tec Scan 4 (depending on canbus or pre-canbus bikes). It will allow you to bleed and flush your ABS brakes just like the dealer, as well as do a bunch of other stuff like: ˇ
KEYFOBS and SECURITY: Program and read key fobs, program PIN and disable security all together.
ACTIVATE MODULES, LIGHTS, and INDICATORS: Test different actuators, lights and indicators and Fuel Pump Drain.
SPEEDOMETER: Sweep test, tachometer sweep test, activate all dash indicators
BODY CONTROL SETTINGS: Read settings in the BCM for ignition switch, radio installed, bank angle sensor for trike installs, fog light function, and ABS installation.
UPDATES FOR LIFE
So you have choices if you'd rather do your own work on your bike.
It's been a long time since I've heard someone say, "I don't think this dealer would steer me wrong." Those dealers are few and far between... and getting rarer... If your dealer is truly one of them, then it'll be easier to let the dealer do it... I don't have one of "them" in my area, so I choose to do it myself...
For brake fluid flushing, the digital technician cycles the ABS module in between bleeding the brakes. This ensures that any fluid held in the ABS chambers, gets flushed too. Whether that is absolutely necessary can be debated, but the DT will give a complete flush, that just a normal flush/bleed will not provide.
Many have flushed the brake system, gone for a ride to activate the ABS, then re-bled the brake system.. pretty much same thing as using a DT... it's not rocket science... but it is more work..
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself guy... buy a Daytona Twin Tec Scan II or Twin Tec Scan 4 (depending on canbus or pre-canbus bikes). It will allow you to bleed and flush your ABS brakes just like the dealer, as well as do a bunch of other stuff like: ˇ
KEYFOBS and SECURITY: Program and read key fobs, program PIN and disable security all together.
ACTIVATE MODULES, LIGHTS, and INDICATORS: Test different actuators, lights and indicators and Fuel Pump Drain.
SPEEDOMETER: Sweep test, tachometer sweep test, activate all dash indicators
BODY CONTROL SETTINGS: Read settings in the BCM for ignition switch, radio installed, bank angle sensor for trike installs, fog light function, and ABS installation.
UPDATES FOR LIFE
So you have choices if you'd rather do your own work on your bike.
It's been a long time since I've heard someone say, "I don't think this dealer would steer me wrong." Those dealers are few and far between... and getting rarer... If your dealer is truly one of them, then it'll be easier to let the dealer do it... I don't have one of "them" in my area, so I choose to do it myself...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Texas, USA
I don't care what service is in question, a $65 service at a dealer is as good as free. At that price it is worth it so I don't have to do it. My time is worth more.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,468
Likes: 2,517
From: Lititz Pa
You NEED to cycle the ABS module when bleeding the brakes, IF you get air in the system. It's the only way to ensure the complete system has been purged.
For brake fluid flushing, the digital technician cycles the ABS module in between bleeding the brakes. This ensures that any fluid held in the ABS chambers, gets flushed too. Whether that is absolutely necessary can be debated, but the DT will give a complete flush, that just a normal flush/bleed will not provide.
Many have flushed the brake system, gone for a ride to activate the ABS, then re-bled the brake system.. pretty much same thing as using a DT... it's not rocket science... but it is more work..
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself guy... buy a Daytona Twin Tec Scan II or Twin Tec Scan 4 (depending on canbus or pre-canbus bikes). It will allow you to bleed and flush your ABS brakes just like the dealer, as well as do a bunch of other stuff like: ˇ
KEYFOBS and SECURITY: Program and read key fobs, program PIN and disable security all together.
ACTIVATE MODULES, LIGHTS, and INDICATORS: Test different actuators, lights and indicators and Fuel Pump Drain.
SPEEDOMETER: Sweep test, tachometer sweep test, activate all dash indicators
BODY CONTROL SETTINGS: Read settings in the BCM for ignition switch, radio installed, bank angle sensor for trike installs, fog light function, and ABS installation.
UPDATES FOR LIFE
So you have choices if you'd rather do your own work on your bike.
It's been a long time since I've heard someone say, "I don't think this dealer would steer me wrong." Those dealers are few and far between... and getting rarer... If your dealer is truly one of them, then it'll be easier to let the dealer do it... I don't have one of "them" in my area, so I choose to do it myself...
For brake fluid flushing, the digital technician cycles the ABS module in between bleeding the brakes. This ensures that any fluid held in the ABS chambers, gets flushed too. Whether that is absolutely necessary can be debated, but the DT will give a complete flush, that just a normal flush/bleed will not provide.
Many have flushed the brake system, gone for a ride to activate the ABS, then re-bled the brake system.. pretty much same thing as using a DT... it's not rocket science... but it is more work..
If you are a dedicated do-it-yourself guy... buy a Daytona Twin Tec Scan II or Twin Tec Scan 4 (depending on canbus or pre-canbus bikes). It will allow you to bleed and flush your ABS brakes just like the dealer, as well as do a bunch of other stuff like: ˇ
KEYFOBS and SECURITY: Program and read key fobs, program PIN and disable security all together.
ACTIVATE MODULES, LIGHTS, and INDICATORS: Test different actuators, lights and indicators and Fuel Pump Drain.
SPEEDOMETER: Sweep test, tachometer sweep test, activate all dash indicators
BODY CONTROL SETTINGS: Read settings in the BCM for ignition switch, radio installed, bank angle sensor for trike installs, fog light function, and ABS installation.
UPDATES FOR LIFE
So you have choices if you'd rather do your own work on your bike.
It's been a long time since I've heard someone say, "I don't think this dealer would steer me wrong." Those dealers are few and far between... and getting rarer... If your dealer is truly one of them, then it'll be easier to let the dealer do it... I don't have one of "them" in my area, so I choose to do it myself...