Brake fluid question
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Brake fluid question
I have a 1999 Ultra Classic it clearly states Dot 5 fluid only this bike has never had the brakes flushed. The other day I decided to do so, when I opened the master cylinder the fluid was perfectly clean (you could see the bottom of the cup) but the fluid was a clearish amber color, and dot 5 is purple,I ask the mechanics at the shop and they said it is purple when it comes out of the bottle but it eventually turns clearish, have any of you had the (purple) dot 5 fluid turn clear. Dot 5 fluid is colored to distinguish it from the others. Any help would be great.
Mike
Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
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From: Decatur, Alabama
If you are unsure of what DOT # your brake fluid is do this:
Dip out a small amount from your master cylinder using a 1 ounce medicine cup. Now add some of the brake fluid that you think it might be to the cup. If the fluid "curdles" then it isn't that DOT #. If all looks well and it doesn't look like you are mixing oil and water, then you are good to go with it.
Dip out a small amount from your master cylinder using a 1 ounce medicine cup. Now add some of the brake fluid that you think it might be to the cup. If the fluid "curdles" then it isn't that DOT #. If all looks well and it doesn't look like you are mixing oil and water, then you are good to go with it.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Agreed.
I cannot believe that the fluid has never been changed! While DOT5 will indeed turn amber after a couple of years, it will carry on deteriorating and the brakes get steadily worst, with accumulating water in the system.
In any event it seems a thorough flushing of the system is in order, plus a clean up of the calipers etc to ensure all is tip-top.
I cannot believe that the fluid has never been changed! While DOT5 will indeed turn amber after a couple of years, it will carry on deteriorating and the brakes get steadily worst, with accumulating water in the system.
In any event it seems a thorough flushing of the system is in order, plus a clean up of the calipers etc to ensure all is tip-top.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
Agreed.
I cannot believe that the fluid has never been changed! While DOT5 will indeed turn amber after a couple of years, it will carry on deteriorating and the brakes get steadily worst, with accumulating water in the system.
In any event it seems a thorough flushing of the system is in order, plus a clean up of the calipers etc to ensure all is tip-top.
I cannot believe that the fluid has never been changed! While DOT5 will indeed turn amber after a couple of years, it will carry on deteriorating and the brakes get steadily worst, with accumulating water in the system.
In any event it seems a thorough flushing of the system is in order, plus a clean up of the calipers etc to ensure all is tip-top.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,686
Likes: 6,473
From: Honah Lee
Dot 5
I have a 1999 Ultra Classic it clearly states Dot 5 fluid only this bike has never had the brakes flushed. The other day I decided to do so, when I opened the master cylinder the fluid was perfectly clean (you could see the bottom of the cup) but the fluid was a clearish amber color, and dot 5 is purple,I ask the mechanics at the shop and they said it is purple when it comes out of the bottle but it eventually turns clearish, have any of you had the (purple) dot 5 fluid turn clear. Dot 5 fluid is colored to distinguish it from the others. Any help would be great.
Mike
Mike
Stop the train!!! When I pour some into my hand it is slightly purple. When I look into the top of the master cylinders it looked clear and it still does. I can clearly see bottom When I dumped it I did not notice in my garage. Dumped the old in a can since I had the mastercylinder off putting fwd controls on and realy did not notice it then. Did they not put the purple die in it back in 04????
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 8, 2010 at 10:39 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You are quite right, DOT5 is not hygroscopic (doesn't absorb water). However water from the atmosphere still gets into the brake system. Unlike the other DOTs, which absorb it, the water lies around where it can find a quiet spot! As the brake pucks wear and the pistons stay further out, the fluid level drops and is replaced by air, in which there is a proportion of air. Some bicycles have closed or sealed hydraulic systems, but autos and our bikes are not sealed against air getting in. So one of the reasons for bleeding brakes every couple of years is to flush out that water.
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